At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare meals for boarding students, ensuring quality and cleanliness.
- Company: Join Compass, a leader in the catering industry with 6,000 venues across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts on travel and shopping, wellness classes, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team, develop your culinary skills, and make a positive impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Culinary experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for food are essential.
- Other info: Flexible term-time contracts available; enjoy every third weekend off!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Working 5 out of 7 days, weekends and evenings.
As Kitchen Manager, you would lead a small team consisting of 1 Sous Chef (Assistant Kitchen Manager) and 5 Catering Assistants. Together, your team would provide freshly prepared meals for approximately 60 boarding students, including breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks. We pride ourselves on fresh, from-scratch cooking.
You will be responsible for the overall management of the boarding house menu, food production planning, food purchasing, and stock controls. You will contribute to menu development, ensure the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the kitchen, and implement new policies and procedures as required.
Shift Pattern Overview: 5 days over 7, with shifts alternating between 7:00 AM-3:00 PM and 11:30 AM-7:30 PM. Two days each week will require you to provide all meal services (breakfast, lunch, and supper) when the Sous Chef is off. So, a split shift - 7-2/5:30-7:30 or full day 7am-7:30pm would be required. Overtime will be paid in money or in lieu. Typical days off will be Friday and Saturday or Sunday and Monday, with every third weekend off. Outside of Term Time: The School is contracted to private lettings and international student programs (e.g., Easter and summer schools), you'll join a larger catering team. No split shifts are required during these periods. However, we can accommodate a term time only contract for you should you prefer.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage house menu, food production planning, and purchasing within budgetary constraints.
- Oversee cleanliness and general housekeeping of all kitchen areas, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Implement new policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Provide up-to-date reports on progress to senior management.
- Communicate effectively with the senior management team and support their leadership.
- Manage stock effectively to minimise waste and maintain budgetary targets.
- Take leadership of the kitchen team, focusing on development and progression.
- Conduct performance reviews and set objectives for team members.
- Ensure operational excellence through effective communication and performance management.
- Train, and develop kitchen staff, ensuring a succession plan is in place.
- Liaise with the House Master and Matron, attending food committee meetings and acting upon feedback.
- Maintain health and safety standards, including adherence to food safety regulations and checks.
- Ensure compliance with company policies regarding uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Person Specification
- Excellent culinary skills with experience in a similar role.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, able to engage and motivate others.
- Business management experience within a kitchen environment.
- Passionate about food and delivering excellence.
- NVQ Level 2 in professional cookery or equivalent (desirable).
- Intermediate food hygiene/Level 2 certification (desirable).
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
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!
Kitchen Manager - Rugby employer: Chartwells - Main
Contact Detail:
Chartwells - Main Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager - Rugby
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary needs of a boarding school environment. Understanding how to cater for a diverse group of students, including dietary restrictions and preferences, will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed a kitchen team, focusing on training and development, as this is crucial for the Kitchen Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of food safety regulations and health standards. Being able to demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in these areas will be essential for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with menu planning and budgeting. The ability to create appealing menus while managing costs effectively is key to succeeding as a Kitchen Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager - Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary experience and leadership skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed a kitchen or team, and include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellence in food preparation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and cooking. Mention why you are interested in the Kitchen Manager position specifically at this school and how your values align with their commitment to fresh, from-scratch cooking.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list any culinary qualifications, such as NVQ Level 2 in professional cookery or food hygiene certifications. This will show that you meet the desired criteria and are serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of how you have successfully led a team in the past. Discuss your approach to training and developing staff, as well as how you handle performance reviews and set objectives for team members.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells - Main
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
As a Kitchen Manager, your culinary expertise is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with menu planning and food production. Bring examples of dishes you've created or managed, and be ready to explain how you ensure quality and freshness in your cooking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Abilities
This role requires strong leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in the kitchen, managed performance reviews, and developed staff. Highlight your ability to motivate and engage your team, as this will be key to your success.
✨Understand Health and Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to kitchen management. Be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and compliance in the kitchen. This shows that you take food safety seriously and can uphold the standards expected in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, such as managing stock effectively or implementing new policies. Prepare to explain how you approached these situations and what the outcomes were.