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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen team and craft exceptional seasonal menus.
- Company: Join Illumina, a prestigious company in the heart of Great Abington.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and discounts on shops and cinema.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community and make a real impact with your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or similar role, with strong leadership and culinary expertise required.
- Other info: Monday to Friday daytime shifts with tailored training and clear career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32800 - 43850 £ per year.
Company Description
Location: Illumina Centre Cambridge
Salary: Up to £38,850 per annum + incredible benefits
Working pattern: Monday - Friday, predominately daytime shifts
We offer an array of fantastic benefits to support you in your career and beyond:
- 28 days holiday
- 3 volunteering days and 3 grandparent leave days
- 24 weeks’ enhanced maternity leave
- Tailored training and development opportunities
- Pension and life insurance
- Discounts on high street shops, holidays, and cinema through our HAPI app
- Access to a Wellbeing Hub and employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Clear career development opportunities
- HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels
Are you a seasoned, inspirational, and creative Head Chef with a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences? Here’s your chance to shine at the prestigious Illumina site, nestled in the heart of the picturesque coastal town.
Job Description
We are seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef to join our team in Great Abington, United Kingdom. As the Head Chef, you will lead our culinary programme, overseeing the preparation and delivery of exceptional meals for a diverse community.
- Develop and implement innovative, seasonal menus that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, including meal planning, food preparation, and quality control
- Manage and mentor a team of kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness
- Collaborate with the management team to plan and execute special events and catering services
- Monitor and control food costs, inventory, and budget to optimise kitchen efficiency
- Engage with our community to gather feedback and continuously improve the dining experience
- Stay abreast of culinary trends and incorporate new techniques and ingredients into our menu offerings
- Maintain strong relationships with local suppliers to source high-quality, seasonal ingredients
- Participate in menu tastings and presentations to showcase our culinary offerings
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a similar senior culinary role
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a kitchen team
- Exceptional culinary expertise and creativity in menu planning and development
- Experience in large-scale food service operations and event catering
- In-depth knowledge of seasonal ingredients and current food trends
- Proficiency in budget management and cost control
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Food safety certification and thorough understanding of health and safety regulations
- Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergen management
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with various departments
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills to handle the dynamic nature of the role
- Passion for delivering high-quality, innovative cuisine and exceptional dining experiences
Head Chef employer: BaxterStorey
Contact Detail:
BaxterStorey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other culinary professionals in your area. Attend local food events or workshops to meet chefs and suppliers who might have insights into the Head Chef position at Illumina.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity by developing a unique dish or menu concept that reflects your culinary style. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and demonstrates your passion for innovative cuisine.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest culinary trends and dietary preferences. Being knowledgeable about current food movements can help you stand out as a candidate who is ready to lead a modern kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams and budgets. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved kitchen efficiency, as this will resonate well with the hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Head Chef. Focus on your leadership skills, culinary expertise, and any specific achievements in menu planning and team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your vision for the culinary programme at Illumina. Mention how your experience aligns with their values and the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Creativity: If possible, include examples of innovative menus or dishes you have created in the past. This could be in the form of a portfolio or simply described in your application to demonstrate your culinary creativity.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in managing kitchen teams and fostering a positive work environment. Provide examples of how you've mentored staff and improved kitchen operations in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at BaxterStorey
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Prepare to discuss your innovative menu ideas and how you cater to various dietary needs. Bring examples of seasonal dishes you've created and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen team. Highlight how you foster collaboration and maintain a positive work environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Know Your Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety standards and hygiene practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and how you handle allergen management.
✨Engage with the Community
Talk about your experience in gathering feedback from diners and how you've used it to improve the dining experience. This shows your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
