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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering exceptional food and catering services.
- Company: Chartwells is the top provider of catering for education in the UK, serving millions weekly.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like discounts on travel, groceries, cinema tickets, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic environment that values creativity and offers a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Seeking an innovative Executive Chef with strong culinary skills and leadership experience.
- Other info: This role supports high-quality education through outstanding food service.
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:
- 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
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 Executive 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 Executive 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 Executive 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 Executive 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: 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.
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 of Culinary Operations - Huntingdon (Hiring Immediately) employer: Placed
Contact Detail:
Placed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Culinary Operations - Huntingdon (Hiring Immediately)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest culinary trends and seasonal ingredients. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for innovative cooking, which is crucial for the Head of Culinary Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend culinary events or workshops to connect with others who may have insights or connections that could help you land this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage a team in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully led a team to achieve high-quality food service.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Chartwells and their approach to catering in educational settings. Understanding their values and mission will allow you to align your answers during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Culinary Operations - Huntingdon (Hiring Immediately)
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 team or were responsible for food safety and quality.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and catering. Mention specific examples of how you've driven sales through innovative menu planning or improved kitchen operations in past roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Include specific culinary skills and techniques that align with the job description. Highlight your ability to manage budgets, control costs, and maintain high standards of food safety.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to leading a team and your vision for delivering outstanding food services. Prepare examples of how you've handled challenges in a busy kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Placed
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
As a Head of Culinary Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your passion for food and innovative culinary skills. Be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you stay updated with food trends.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires managing a team in a busy environment. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, resolved conflicts, and inspired staff to deliver exceptional service.
✨Understand Financial Drivers
Since the position involves budgeting and cost control, be ready to discuss your experience with food costing, profit margins, and how you've previously managed kitchen budgets effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in high-pressure situations.
