At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create exciting, fresh, and nutritious meals daily.
- Company: Join Chartwells Independents, the UK's top catering provider for independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, wellness classes, discounts on travel, and cinema tickets.
- Why this job: Make a name for yourself in a dynamic environment while supporting education through great food.
- Qualifications: Bring innovative culinary skills, strong communication, and a passion for food.
- Other info: This role offers a fantastic work-life balance and opportunities for career growth.
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 which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals
- Free onsite swimming pool access
- Electric vehicle charging points
- 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
What you'll be doing:
Chartwells Independents is the leading provider of catering and support services to Independent Schools in the UK. We provide innovative catering, hospitality and food service by creating imaginative menus delivered with an exceptional service. We know as a company that great food comes from great ingredients. Our Chefs use seasonal produce, adding their own individual creativity to let the food speak for itself. We pride ourselves on being able to provide a diverse range of cuisines that keep up to date with today's trends ensuring we offer a great dining experience. We nurture and develop our teams to enrich their skills which allows them to show their passion and inspiration that as a company we are proud to encourage. You will be part of a team that supports high quality education at this school by providing outstanding food and service to the pupils and staff. You will be leading a team who share the same passion for preparing exciting fresh and nutritious food on a daily basis. This is a complex, busy and multi-facetted environment that also offers a great work life balance. We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Head Chef to lead our dedicated catering team, who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this highly prestigious unit. This is a fantastic opportunity for an inspirational and enthusiastic Head Chef to make a name for themselves within the contract catering industry. In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary.
More about the role:
- Delivery of a range of food and catering services across a number of outlets in a complex, busy and multi-facetted environment
- The Head Chef will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food ensuring that the company’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times
- Taking responsibility for the food production with a hands-on approach
- Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning and promotions and preferred suppliers
- Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HSE and COSHH
- The Head Chef will also be required to implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed 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 in a calm, inspirational manner
- A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage
- Demonstrates a passion for food
- Team Player
- Excellent organisation skills
- Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
- A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing, including control
About Us: 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!
Head Chef - Millfield School (Hiring Immediately) employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Millfield School (Hiring Immediately)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest culinary trends and seasonal ingredients. Being able to discuss how you can incorporate these into the menus at Millfield School will show your passion and creativity, which are key for a Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills during any discussions or interviews. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, as this role requires someone who can inspire and motivate others.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with food safety and budgeting. Since the role involves maintaining high standards and managing costs, demonstrating your knowledge in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the catering industry. Engaging with others can provide insights into the company culture at Chartwells Independents and may even lead to valuable recommendations when applying for the Head Chef position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Millfield School (Hiring Immediately)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary experience, particularly in leading teams and managing kitchen operations. Emphasise any innovative cooking techniques or menu planning skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and leadership. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or improved food quality in previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for working at Millfield School.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your culinary skills, communication abilities, and experience with budgeting and food safety. Use bullet points to make these stand out and ensure they match the requirements listed in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
As a Head Chef, your ability to create innovative and exciting menus is crucial. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with menu planning and how you incorporate seasonal ingredients into your dishes. Bring examples of your work or even a portfolio of your best recipes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's important to convey your leadership style during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've managed kitchen staff in the past, resolved conflicts, and inspired your team to deliver exceptional service.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food safety standards and regulations, as this role requires strict adherence to HSE and COSHH guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and any systems you have implemented for monitoring food safety.
✨Highlight Your Financial Acumen
The role involves budget management and cost control, so demonstrate your understanding of profit margins, purchasing policies, and food costing. Discuss any experience you have with managing kitchen budgets and how you've successfully reduced waste while maintaining quality.