At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary teams in schools, ensuring high-quality food and safety standards.
- Company: BD Group aims to create positive change in communities through quality services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, paid holidays, health support, and a great team environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic role with diverse tasks and the chance to impact students' lives positively.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualification, food safety certification, and experience in school catering preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours and travel required across Barking and Dagenham schools.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are currently expanding our team and are looking for 3 mobile relief chefs to cover the Barking and Dagenham area. As a Relief Chef you will provide culinary leadership across multiple school locations, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to Food Safety and Health and Safety Standards.
Responsibilities include:
- Stepping in for absent chefs.
- Leading teams in our school kitchens.
- Ensuring high-quality food production.
- Assisting with special events.
- Maintaining high standards of food preparation and kitchen hygiene.
- Complying with regulations and guidelines.
Duties:
- Prepare and cook meals according to established menus and dietary guidelines.
- Ensure all food is prepared to a high standard of quality and presentation.
- Travel to different school locations as required to provide chef coverage.
- Adapt to various kitchen environments and equipment.
- Adhere to all health and safety regulations, including food hygiene standards.
- Conduct regular checks to ensure kitchen cleanliness and compliance with safety protocols.
- Assist in menu planning, taking into account nutritional guidelines and student preferences.
- Ensure meals cater to specific dietary requirements and allergies.
- Monitor and manage kitchen inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels.
- Order supplies as needed and minimise waste through efficient use of ingredients.
- Work closely with catering teams at each location to ensure seamless kitchen operations.
- Provide guidance and training to kitchen staff as necessary.
- Assist with the preparation and execution of special events, catering functions, and themed days.
- Ensure events are well-coordinated and food is served in a timely manner.
- Interact with students, staff, and school personnel in a friendly and professional manner.
- Address any food-related inquiries or concerns promptly.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Relevant culinary qualification or certification.
- Full clean UK driving Licence is preferred.
- Food Safety and Hygiene certification is essential.
- Extensive experience as a chef, preferably within a school catering environment.
- Familiarity with nutritional standards for school meals, food safety regulations, and industry best practices.
- Strong culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques.
- Willingness to travel between school locations.
- Ability to work flexible hours.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Capability to lift and carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
- Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle kitchen equipment safely.
Working Arrangements:
- Working pattern: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Typically core hours will range between 7 am and 3.30 pm).
- Number of working weeks: 39-52 weeks (Annual leave to be taken during school half term), year round and term time only opportunities may be available.
- Location: We require Relief Chefs to cover either the Dagenham area or the Barking area must be flexible to travel to various sites within those areas.
About Us:
BD Group was created by the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham to create positive economic, environmental and social change. We are a facilities services company, providing a range of services for public and private sector clients currently across London and the Southeast, but with aspirations to broaden our geographies over time. Our mission is to help communities live, work and grow to fulfil their potential through the delivery of safe, high-quality services based on our unique understanding of local needs.
Benefits:
- In addition to an attractive salary, our benefits package includes: Heart Hub rewards, perks & benefits platform!
- Group Life Assurance
- Competitive Salaries
- Pension Scheme
- Paid Holidays from 21 days
- Family Friendly Policies making work-life balance achievable
- Health & wellbeing support including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Career development and training
- Free parking @ The Cube
- A great team!
To Apply:
If you are keen to be considered for this opportunity to join a great team, please click 'apply' below to submit your CV and outline relevant skills and experience via the application form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so if you are keen to be considered for this role, please apply as soon as possible and do not wait until the closing date.
Relief Chef in Dagenham employer: BD Group
Contact Detail:
BD Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chef in Dagenham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary guidelines and nutritional standards for school meals. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing quality food that meets students' needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your flexibility and willingness to travel between different school locations. Being a mobile relief chef means adapting quickly to new environments, so showcasing your adaptability can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with food safety and hygiene regulations during the interview. Having concrete examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the local community or schools in the Barking and Dagenham area before your interview. Understanding their unique needs and preferences can give you valuable insights to share, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef in Dagenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary qualifications and experience, especially in school catering environments. Emphasise your food safety certifications and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and working with children. Mention your adaptability to different kitchen environments and your commitment to maintaining high food safety standards.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage kitchen operations, lead teams, and cater to dietary requirements. Use examples from previous roles to illustrate your skills.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Express your excitement about the opportunity to work as a Relief Chef in schools. Mention how you can contribute to creating a positive dining experience for students and staff alike.
How to prepare for a job interview at BD Group
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your culinary qualifications and experience in detail. Highlight any specific techniques or dishes you excel at, especially those relevant to school catering. If possible, bring a portfolio of your work or photos of meals you've prepared.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
As a Relief Chef, you'll need to adapt to various kitchen environments. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully adjusted to new settings or equipment in the past. This will show your potential employer that you're versatile and can handle the demands of the role.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since food safety is crucial in this role, be sure to discuss your Food Safety and Hygiene certification. Prepare to answer questions about health and safety regulations, and provide examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous positions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember that interviews are a two-way street. Ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the schools you'll be working with, and any upcoming events. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.