At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and train school kitchen teams to serve fresh, nutritious food.
- Company: Join a passionate charity transforming kids' health through food in schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to work/life balance and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by improving school food culture.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a chef with experience in training and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
This role is a unique and exciting opportunity for a passionate, hands-on Chef and Trainer to join our rapidly growing charity and support our mission to transform kids’ health through food in schools in a new region. This role will be critical in delivering our flagship programme Transformations and work directly with school kitchen teams across the North West and North East of England.
Chefs in Schools is a young, ambitious charity that’s rapidly growing. Our mission is to improve kids’ health, through improving school food & food education. We focus our efforts in areas of high socio-economic deprivation, where more than a third of children are entitled to free school meals, and diet-related disease is driving further inequality. We support and train school kitchen teams to serve the best, freshest and tastiest food possible, alongside meaningful food education.
This role is responsible for the delivery and continuous improvement of the Chefs in Schools Transformation Programme across the North West and North East of England. The Transformation Programme is our flagship year-long initiative, designed to support school kitchen teams and senior leadership teams in serving the best, freshest, and most nutritious food possible. Through this programme, we transform school lunches, upskill kitchen staff, and integrate food education into the heart of the school culture, ensuring that high-quality, scratch-cooked meals become the standard for every pupil.
As a Chef Trainer, you will act as a pivotal, hands-on ambassador for this mission, supporting kitchen teams, school leadership and the wider school community to embed a high quality, sustainable school food culture in schools. You will support development of the programme’s pipeline and join a brilliant, passionate and experienced team of Chef Trainers, with the opportunity to connect, share and learn from one another. A key component of this role involves being based in schools for 2–3 weeks at a time, working directly on-site to implement the programme. You will travel to different locations across the North West and North East, supporting schools to build high-quality, sustainable food cultures.
Key responsibilities include:
- Inspire, train and cook with chefs, cooks and kitchen teams in the preparation of fresh, nutritious food to meet specified standards.
- Deliver and oversee Transformation Programme delivery in schools within the region.
- Work closely with Head Chefs, Headteachers and School Business Managers to provide fair assessment of culinary ability.
- Advise and guide Head Chefs, Kitchen Teams and School Business Managers to improve uptake, menu development and School Food Standards compliance.
- Train kitchen staff to follow up-to-date Health and Safety and hygiene policies and procedures.
- Support schools to develop a whole-school food culture through food education with pupils.
You have significant professional experience as a chef (minimum of 5 years), ideally with a background in schools, high-volume catering or institutional cooking. You have experience training or mentoring kitchen staff, including building culinary capability and culture change. You are organised, methodical and able to manage multiple work streams simultaneously. You are a strong communicator able to build trusting relationships with different types of stakeholders.
Benefits include:
- 33 days of holiday per year including bank holidays.
- Cycle to Work scheme, hybrid working, enhanced parental leave.
- Bupa Dental Insurance, Income Protection Insurance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Trainer - for the North of England in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
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We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
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Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Trainer - for the North of England in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Be Applied Ltd
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Be Applied Ltd. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
