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- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare delicious meals and maintain high hygiene standards.
- Company: Hindleap Warren is a leading outdoor education centre in East Sussex, dedicated to enriching young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, uniform, and training opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for aspiring chefs wanting to grow in a fun, dynamic kitchen while making a difference.
- Qualifications: Basic Food Hygiene Certificate required; experience in a kitchen is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts across weekdays and weekends; commitment to sustainability and nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 25500 £ per year.
Company Description
Location: Hindleap Warren, East Sussex
Salary: £25,500 per annum
Contract: Full-time, 52-week operation
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days, including regular weekends
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and reliable Commis Chef to join our friendly kitchen team at Hindleap Warren Educational Outdoor Centre, a well-established residential outdoor education setting nestled in the heart of East Sussex.
If you’re passionate about developing your culinary skills in a supportive environment and want to be part of a team that fuels fun, learning and adventure - this is the role for you.
About the Centre:
Hindleap Warren delivers high-quality outdoor learning experiences to children and young people year-round. Operating 7 days a week (with a short closure at Christmas), the kitchen provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner services for both guests and staff. We cater for up to 185 people daily, averaging around 140-150, which allows for a dynamic yet manageable kitchen operation.
Why Join Us?
- Great opportunity for a budding chef to grow in a fast-paced but nurturing kitchen
- Regular working patterns with clear shifts
- Supportive team environment focused on quality and consistency
- Free meals during shifts
- Uniform provided
- Training and development opportunities to progress your career
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef and wider kitchen team in the preparation and service of breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness at all times
- Follow daily food production schedules and portion control standards
- Assist in the preparation of ingredients and simple dishes under supervision
- Set up and clear down the kitchen and service areas as required
- Ensure proper storage and labelling of all food items
- Participate in stock rotation and assist with deliveries
- Help with washing up and general kitchen duties as required
- Work cooperatively in a small team to meet mealtime deadlines
- Contribute to a positive, respectful, and team-oriented kitchen culture
Qualifications and Experience:
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2) - required
- NVQ Level 1 or 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent - preferred but not essential
- Experience in a kitchen or catering environment - desirable
- Understanding of basic food safety and kitchen hygiene practices
- Willingness to learn and take direction from senior chefs
- Strong work ethic and ability to work calmly under pressure
- Positive attitude and team-focused approach
- Flexibility to work shifts across weekdays and weekends
- Passion for food and interest in progressing within a kitchen team
Additional Information
Holroyd Howe is one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.
To provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their jobs, we invest in their training and development. Our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.
We pride ourselves on:
- Sustainability - Sustainability is at the heart of our thinking; always mindful of the ethics of our sourcing and how we prepare our meals.
- Nutrition - We take nutrition seriously and understand the impact a healthy diet has on the fundamental years of development. Meals are always freshly prepared from scratch and packed with nutritious ingredients.
- Food Innovation - We offer a wide portfolio of training opportunities and experiences, which attracts chefs who are passionate about culinary excellence and menu innovation to our team.
Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Commis Chef - England employer: Holroyd Howe
Contact Detail:
Holroyd Howe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef - England
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary style and menu offerings at Hindleap Warren. Understanding their approach to food and the types of dishes they serve will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the role during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Holroyd Howe or similar establishments. They can provide valuable insights into the kitchen culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your willingness to learn and adapt by highlighting any relevant experiences in your conversations. Whether it's a part-time job in a café or volunteering at events, demonstrating your passion for food and teamwork can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shifts, especially weekends, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you are ready and willing to work varied hours can make a positive impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef - England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the kitchen or catering environment. Emphasise any qualifications like your Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and any culinary training you've received.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your eagerness to learn. Mention why you want to work at Hindleap Warren and how you can contribute to their team-oriented kitchen culture.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires working cooperatively in a small team, be sure to include examples of your teamwork skills and experiences in your application. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holroyd Howe
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food and cooking during the interview. Share any experiences that highlight your love for culinary arts, whether it's a dish you enjoy making or a cooking class you've taken.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a kitchen team, emphasise your ability to collaborate and support others. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team environment in the past.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
The company values individuals who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve embraced learning opportunities in previous roles and your desire to develop your culinary skills further.
✨Understand Food Hygiene Standards
Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene and safety practices, as these are crucial in a kitchen setting. Mention any relevant certifications you have, like the Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, and be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
