At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in creating delicious, healthy meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a top catering provider for independent schools in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts on travel and shopping, wellness classes, and more!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on quality food and education while growing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Bring your culinary skills, leadership abilities, and a passion for food to this role.
- Other info: Work 5 out of 7 days in a prestigious school environment with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We ensure you\’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to: Free meals on duty Uniform provided Highly accessible via public transport Secure bike and scooter parking Closed over Christmas and Easter Work with celeb chefs! 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 Unwind 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 Fantastic Opportunity at a Prestigious Independent School Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is the leading provider of catering and support services to Independent Schools in the UK. You will be part of a team that supports high-quality education by providing outstanding food and service to pupils and staff. You will be a key part of a team passionate about preparing food daily using fresh ingredients, focusing on enjoyment—great tasting, healthy food that pupils look forward to and really enjoy. What you\’ll be doing: We currently have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and ambitious Head Chef with a real passion for food, where you can develop your career with the world’s leading food service and facilities management company. We’re successful and deliver people-focused care that’s always in demand. Add your talents to ours and see how far you can go as a Head Chef here. More about the role: Working for this prestigious client, we are seeking an experienced and talented Head Chef to join our fantastic team who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients: The Head Chef will plan, organise, and direct the preparation and cooking of food, ensuring that the company’s reputation for quality is maintained with customers and clients at all times. Taking responsibility for food production with a hands-on approach. Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning, promotions, and preferred suppliers. Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HS, and COSHH. Implementing and maintaining food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against budgets. Who you are: Excellent and innovative culinary and presentation skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Energetic with a passion to do a great job. Able to manage staff calmly and inspirationally. A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage. Demonstrates a passion for food. Team player. Excellent organisational skills. Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers. A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting, and food costing. About Us As part of Compass, you\’ll help feed people, fuel progress, and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and enjoy competitive pay, great perks, and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development at one of the UK\’s biggest businesses. Compass Group UK & Ireland 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 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! Job Reference: com/1405/C05801/52738824/SU #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef - Brighton employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and culinary professionals in Brighton. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people in the industry, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary skills by creating a portfolio of your best dishes. Consider hosting a pop-up event or collaborating with local restaurants to gain visibility and demonstrate your talent.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest food trends and dietary requirements, especially those relevant to schools. This knowledge will not only enhance your menu planning but also show your commitment to providing quality meals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by researching Chartwells and their approach to food service in schools. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills and experience relevant to the Head Chef position. Include specific examples of your achievements in previous roles, such as menu planning or managing kitchen staff.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and leadership abilities. Mention your experience with fresh ingredients and how you can contribute to maintaining the company's reputation for quality.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your organisational skills, understanding of food safety regulations, and ability to manage budgets. These are crucial for the Head Chef role and will set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Personality: Let your personality shine through in your application. The company is looking for an energetic team player who is passionate about food. Use your application to convey your enthusiasm and commitment to delivering outstanding service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your genuine love for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy creating and how you stay updated with culinary trends. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Discuss your experience in leading kitchen staff, resolving conflicts, and inspiring your team to deliver their best work. Use examples that illustrate your calm and inspirational management style.
✨Understand Financial Aspects
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of budgeting, food costing, and profit margins. Highlight any previous experience you have in managing kitchen costs and how you've successfully implemented budgetary controls in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle kitchen challenges. Think about situations where you've had to prevent wastage or adapt menus based on seasonal ingredients, and be ready to share these experiences.