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- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while overseeing menu changes and kitchen hygiene.
- Company: Join Chartwells, the UK's leading education catering provider, serving millions of nutritious meals weekly.
- Benefits: Enjoy a part-time role with opportunities for progression and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values individuality and makes a positive impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, experience in a similar role, and relevant culinary qualifications required.
- Other info: This role is contracted for 43 weeks per year, with a focus on safeguarding children.
School Chef – Durham
We\’re currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a part time basis contracted to 25 hours per week. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving the kind of food that truly brightens our clients\’ and customers\’ days, all within the market-leading food service company in the UK. You\’ll get given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.
Please note: This role is contracted to 43 weeks per year
Could you bring your passion and culinary skill to Chartwells? Here\’s what you need to know before applying:
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Overseeing and implementing menu changes
- Identifying opportunities to improve our food services
- Listening and acting on customer feedback to consistently improve our food services
- Supporting with the creation of new menus and creative food concepts
- Representing Chartwells and maintaining a positive brand image
- Monitoring inventories to keep our kitchens well-stocked
- Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
- Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Satefty regulations
Our ideal Chef will:
- Be passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service
- Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
- Have experience supervising a team
- Have experience in a similar Chef role
- Hold a Food Hygiene certificate
- Have a flexible approach to working
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children\’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Job Reference: com/2705/40349001/52741053/BU #State Schools
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef - Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chartwells' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to providing nutritious meals in educational settings will help you align your passion for food with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity by preparing a unique dish that reflects your style. If you get the chance to discuss your cooking during the interview, this can demonstrate your ability to innovate and adapt menus, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Chartwells if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you handle customer feedback and improve food services. Being able to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented changes based on feedback will highlight your commitment to exceptional service.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef - Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the School Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Chartwells is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in a similar chef role, particularly in educational settings. Mention specific achievements or contributions that demonstrate your culinary skills and ability to manage a kitchen.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for food and customer service in your application. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to create exceptional dining experiences, as this aligns with Chartwells' commitment to delighting clients and customers.
Prepare for Compliance: Be ready to discuss your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations in your application. Mention any relevant certifications, such as a Food Hygiene certificate, and your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Schools
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and creating delicious meals. Share specific examples of dishes you love to prepare and how you ensure they meet high standards of quality.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen team or resolved conflicts, highlighting your ability to motivate others.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Experience
Customer satisfaction is key in this role. Be ready to talk about how you've listened to customer feedback in the past and made changes to improve their dining experience. This shows you value their opinions and are committed to excellence.
✨Know Your Hygiene Standards
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene regulations and be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, as this will demonstrate your commitment to health and safety.
