Chef

Windsor Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Chef, creating delicious meals for a vibrant community of teenage boys.
  • Company: Eton College is a prestigious institution dedicated to nurturing young minds and promoting diversity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy an 11% pension contribution, subsidised lunches, and access to sports facilities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through food in a supportive and creative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong communication skills, and a Level 2/3 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
  • Other info: Work 40 hours a week with school holidays off, ensuring a great work-life balance.

We are seeking a dedicated and talented Chef to join our team in a prestigious residential setting, providing exceptional meals to a community of 55+ teenage boys. This is a unique opportunity for a culinary professional who values consistency, creativity, and purpose in their work. You’ll play a central role in supporting the wellbeing and nutrition of our students by delivering delicious, nutritionally balanced meals in a structured yet dynamic environment. The Chef is responsible for the planning, preparation, and presentation of high-quality meals in a private residence setting. This includes breakfast, lunch, supper and providing hospitality for visitors, parents, and VIP guests. You will work closely with the House and Central Catering team to ensure high standards of food quality, safety, and dietary compliance. You will be based in a historic and well-supported private residence, equipped with a modern kitchen and backed by a dedicated Central Catering team. The working week follows a structured school term calendar, with the advantage of having school holidays off. The role provides stability, personal satisfaction, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on young lives through food. Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply. BenefitsEton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses. Main DutiesKey Tasks and Responsibilities Plan and prepare daily meals, snacks, and special events with creativity and nutritional balance. Ensure meals are delivered on time and meet the specific dietary needs of residents, including allergies and other dietary requirements. Maintain high standards of food hygiene, allergen control, and safety, compliant with relevant legislation and internal policies. Manage food ordering and stock control to minimise waste and maximise use of fresh ingredients. Maintain a clean, organised kitchen and complete all required food safety documentation. Collaborate with the house team to support food-related activities and promote nutritional awareness among residents. Provide occasional hospitality for visitors, parents, and VIP guests. Attend training and remain up to date with food safety, safeguarding, and relevant hospitality qualifications. Preparation and service of breakfast, lunch and supper; Provide cover for other Chefs across the College as and when required;    To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required of you in the post; All employees of Eton College are also expected to: Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’; Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, complying with all safeguarding procedures and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood. Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality; Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.The Ideal CandidateTo be successful in this role, we are looking for:  A reliable, flexible chef who is calm under pressure and thrives in an independent working environment; Strong communication skills and the ability to follow direction while bringing your own creative flair; Previous experience in private households, boutique hotels, or high-volume catering is desirable; Understanding of special diets, allergen protocols, and food labelling legislation; A positive attitude and collaborative spirit – you’re a team player who takes pride in quality service; Willingness to engage with the broader life of the residence when appropriate; Level 2/3 Food Hygiene Certificate; HACCP or allergen management training; NVQ or equivalent in professional cookery.Working Pattern You will be working 40 hours per week 6 days out of 7, 40.6 weeks per year. (You will be paid over 12 months) You will be entitled to 5.6 weeks of holiday. (You must use all your entitlement (including any lieu days) during periods of school holidays. If a bank holiday falls during a school term period, you will be required to work this day and you will receive an additional day’s holiday in lieu).About The CollegeWe are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on so we can make adjustments accordingly.  DISCLOSURE CHECKS Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College

Chef employer: Eton College

Eton College is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for chefs to thrive in a prestigious residential setting dedicated to nurturing young lives through food. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the role provides stability, generous benefits including an 11% pension contribution, and access to excellent sports and leisure facilities, all within a supportive and collaborative work culture that values creativity and personal growth.
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Contact Detail:

Eton College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of the teenage boys you'll be cooking for. Understanding their tastes and nutritional requirements will help you create meals that resonate with them, showcasing your ability to cater to a diverse audience.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any previous experience in private households or high-volume catering during your interactions. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the unique challenges of a residential setting and reassure us of your adaptability in a dynamic kitchen environment.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your creativity by preparing a few sample dishes that reflect your culinary style. If you get the chance to meet us before the interview, bringing along a portfolio of your work or even a tasting menu can leave a lasting impression.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage with our community by researching Eton College's values and initiatives. Demonstrating your alignment with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children will show us that you're not just a chef, but a team player who cares about the broader impact of your role.

We think you need these skills to ace Chef

Culinary Skills
Meal Planning
Nutritional Knowledge
Food Safety Compliance
Allergen Management
Creativity in Cooking
Time Management
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Stock Control
Food Hygiene Certification (Level 2/3)
HACCP Training
Adaptability
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary experience, especially in private households or high-volume catering. Emphasise your skills in meal planning, food hygiene, and dietary compliance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your commitment to providing nutritious meals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your creativity and ability to work under pressure.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any relevant certifications such as Level 2/3 Food Hygiene Certificate or HACCP training. This will show your understanding of food safety and allergen management, which is crucial for the role.

Showcase Your Team Spirit: In your application, mention your collaborative spirit and willingness to engage with the broader life of the residence. This aligns with the college's values and shows you are a team player.

How to prepare for a job interview at Eton College

✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity

During the interview, be prepared to discuss your creative approach to meal planning and preparation. Share examples of how you've incorporated nutritional balance into your dishes while catering to specific dietary needs.

✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety

Highlight your understanding of food hygiene standards and allergen protocols. Be ready to discuss your experience with maintaining high standards of food safety and any relevant certifications you hold.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since the role involves working closely with a house team, express your ability to collaborate effectively. Share instances where you've worked as part of a team to enhance the dining experience or support food-related activities.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess how you handle pressure and unexpected situations in the kitchen. Think of examples where you've successfully managed challenges, such as dietary restrictions or last-minute changes to meal plans.

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