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- Tasks: Create delicious meals that nourish and delight in care homes and schools.
- Company: Join a supportive team focused on community and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, paid holidays, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference with your culinary skills while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Culinary experience and relevant health & safety certifications required.
- Other info: Free Enhanced DBS check and access to the Blue Arrow App for easy scheduling.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Chef Roles Available - Newcastle & Gateshead
£16.00 - £19.00 per hour
Flexible Shifts
Work-Life Balance
Are you a talented, passionate chef ready to step away from the high-pressure restaurant grind and into a role that offers stability, purpose, and flexibility? Join our team and bring your culinary expertise to care homes and schools, where your skills will truly make a difference. We will cover the cost of your Enhanced DBS check - completely FREE!
Your Role:
- Craft and serve delicious, nutritious meals that meet high standards.
- Maintain a spotless, safe, and compliant kitchen environment.
- Deliver consistency, creativity, and care in every dish.
What You’ll Need:
- Enhanced Adult DBS (or willingness to apply - we’ll support you).
- Valid Health & Safety and Food Hygiene certifications.
- At least 1 year of hands-on culinary experience.
- Understanding of manual handling and kitchen safety.
- Strong communication skills and a proactive mindset.
Bonus Qualifications (Highly Valued):
- City & Guilds 706/1 or 706/2 Catering
- NVQ Level 2 in Cookery
- Level 3 Food Safety Awards
- BTEC HND / Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts
- Modern Apprenticeship in Cooking
Why Work With Us?
- Flexible working patterns to suit your lifestyle and commitments
- Full-time & part-time opportunities
- Paid holidays, company pension, and on-site parking
- Access to the Blue Arrow App - manage your schedule with ease
- Be part of a supportive, inclusive team that values your contribution
- Work in trusted, community-focused environments
This is more than just a job - it’s a chance to use your culinary talent to enrich lives, support wellbeing, and enjoy a fulfilling career with real flexibility. Apply today and our Catering team will be in touch to help you take the next step!
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Head Chef in Sunderland employer: Blue Arrow - Newcastle
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Newcastle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups on social media, and attend local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any special events you've catered. This visual evidence of your talent can really impress potential employers and set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to care homes and schools in your area. Introduce yourself, express your passion for cooking, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help with anything.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary expertise and any relevant experience. We want to see how your skills can bring delicious meals to our care homes and schools!
Be Clear About Your Certifications: List your Health & Safety and Food Hygiene certifications clearly in your application. This helps us understand your qualifications and ensures you meet the necessary standards for the role.
Express Your Passion for Cooking: Let your love for cooking shine through in your application! Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to create nutritious meals that make a difference in people's lives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get in touch with you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Newcastle
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with different cuisines, cooking techniques, and how you maintain high standards in food safety and hygiene.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Let your passion for cooking shine through during the interview. Share stories about your favourite dishes to prepare and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. This will help the interviewer see your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working in a supportive team environment, highlight your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive kitchen atmosphere or helped colleagues in past roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the company culture. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and want to ensure it's the right fit for both you and the team.