Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately)
Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately)

Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately)

Surrey Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team in creating exciting, fresh, and nutritious meals for students.
  • Company: Join Chartwells Independents, the UK's leading provider of catering services to independent schools.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, wellness classes, travel discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a name for yourself in a dynamic environment while supporting quality education through outstanding food.
  • Qualifications: Bring innovative culinary skills, excellent communication, and a passion for food to the table.
  • Other info: This role offers a great 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, Sainsburys, 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.

Independent 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!

Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately) employer: MindMatch

At Chartwells Independents, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and innovation in the culinary arts. Our comprehensive benefits package includes free meals, wellness classes, and exclusive discounts, ensuring our team members feel appreciated and supported. With a strong focus on employee growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, we provide a nurturing environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact in a prestigious school setting.
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Contact Detail:

MindMatch Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest culinary trends and seasonal ingredients. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for innovative cooking, which is key for the Executive Chef role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend local food events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage a kitchen team. Highlight any experience you have in training staff or implementing new processes that improved efficiency or quality.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Chartwells Independents and their approach to catering in schools. Understanding their values and mission will allow you to tailor your conversation during interviews and demonstrate your alignment with their goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately)

Culinary Skills
Menu Planning
Food Presentation
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Budgeting and Cost Control
Food Safety Management
HSE Compliance
COSHH Knowledge
Creativity in Menu Development
Staff Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Numeracy Skills
Computer Literacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills and experience relevant to the role of Executive Chef. Emphasise any previous experience in a school or similar environment, showcasing your ability to manage a team and deliver high-quality food services.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for food and leadership. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations, driven sales through innovative menu planning, and maintained high standards of food safety.

Showcase Your Creativity: In your application, include examples of imaginative menus or dishes you have created. This will demonstrate your ability to provide diverse cuisines and keep up with current food trends, which is essential for this role.

Highlight Your Team Management Skills: Discuss your experience in leading and inspiring a team. Provide examples of how you've fostered a positive work environment and developed your team's skills, as this is crucial for the Executive Chef position.

How to prepare for a job interview at MindMatch

✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity

As an Executive Chef, your ability to create innovative and exciting menus is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your culinary style and how you incorporate seasonal produce into your dishes. Share examples of past menu creations that highlight your creativity and understanding of current food trends.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

This role requires strong leadership to manage a dedicated team. During the interview, provide examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate staff while maintaining a calm and organised environment, especially during busy service times.

✨Understand Food Safety and Budgeting

Knowledge of food safety regulations and budgeting is essential for this position. Be ready to discuss your experience with HSE, COSHH, and food monitoring procedures. Additionally, explain how you've managed kitchen costs and ensured profitability while maintaining high-quality standards.

✨Communicate Passion for Food

Your enthusiasm for food and cooking should shine through in your interview. Talk about what drives your passion for the culinary arts and how you keep your team motivated. Sharing personal anecdotes about your journey in the culinary world can help convey your dedication and love for the profession.

Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately)
MindMatch
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  • Executive Chef - School Environment (Hiring Immediately)

    Surrey
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-06

  • M

    MindMatch

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