At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Academy's operations and create amazing chocolate experiences for customers.
- Company: Join the UK Chocolate Academy, a hub of creativity and excellence in chocolate.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop culinary skills, and work in a fun environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: If you love chocolate and want to learn from the best, this is your chance!
- Qualifications: Passion for chocolate, Level 2 Food Hygiene, and NVQ Level 3 in Cookery or Patisserie.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
About The Role
The UK Chocolate Academy is a centre of excellence where customers come to be inspired, educated, and immersed in the world of chocolate. We are a small, dedicated, and hard‑working team looking for a passionate Junior Academy Chef to support us in delivering exceptional experiences. In this role, you’ll help us create chocolate solutions for a wide range of customers, assist with Academy operations, and contribute to the smooth running of courses, events, and day‑to‑day activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the day‑to‑day running of the Academy, including courses, customer visits, virtual events, filming, and sales team requests.
- Prepare the Academy ahead of customer visits, ensuring all spaces are fully set up and presentation‑ready.
- Deliver a high standard of customer service during courses and customer days, both front of house and behind the scenes.
- Assist in creating products for application testing, customer briefs, and project work.
- Prepare ingredients and equipment for courses, supporting in‑house chefs, guest chefs, customer days, offsite visits, and filming.
- Maintain a clean, organised Academy environment, ensuring equipment is safe and in good working order.
- Welcome and host visitors with professionalism, creating a positive and engaging experience.
- Prepare light lunches for customers.
- Conduct stock checks and place orders to maintain adequate supplies.
- Work independently, using initiative to manage tasks effectively.
- Support product testing activities, including chocolate and patisserie‑based applications.
About You
- Passionate about chocolate, pastry and bakery, with curiosity for industry trends.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or Patisserie (or equivalent).
- Strong communication skills and confident in customer‑facing environments.
- Organised, proactive, and able to manage time and priorities effectively.
- Calm under pressure, adaptable to changing schedules, and comfortable working independently.
- Positive, flexible team player with a willingness to support a wide range of tasks.
- Comfortable with manual handling and being on your feet for most of the day.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; hospitality experience is a bonus.
Junior Academy Chef employer: Barry Callebaut Group
Contact Detail:
Barry Callebaut Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Academy Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Academy! Before your interview, dive into the world of chocolate and understand what makes the UK Chocolate Academy special. This will help you connect with the team and show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since you'll be interacting with customers, think about how you can create a positive experience. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've managed tasks effectively in the past. This will demonstrate that you're proactive and ready to keep the Academy running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates. Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for chocolate and your willingness to support the team in various tasks.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Academy Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chocolate: When writing your application, let your love for chocolate and pastry shine through! Share any experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and creativity in the kitchen.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in a Junior Academy Chef.
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t forget to let your personality come through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but also a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barry Callebaut Group
✨Know Your Chocolate
Make sure you brush up on your chocolate knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different types of chocolate, trends in the industry, and any recent innovations. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your culinary skills and experiences in detail. Bring along a portfolio or photos of your previous work, especially any chocolate creations or pastries you've made. This visual evidence can really impress the interviewers and demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Practice Customer Interaction
Since this role involves a lot of customer-facing activities, practice how you would handle various customer scenarios. Think about how you would welcome visitors, answer their questions, and ensure they have a great experience. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
During the interview, highlight your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. Share examples of how you've successfully juggled responsibilities in the past, whether in a kitchen or another environment. This will reassure them that you can handle the dynamic nature of the Academy.