At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals while supervising kitchen staff.
- Company: Join Brainkind, a supportive and inclusive employer focused on wellbeing.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.78 per hour, enjoy 33 days annual leave, and access health plans.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives through food while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and experience in catering for large groups required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Location: Hitchin
Salary: £13.78 per hour with a £1 enhancement on weekends and bank holidays.
Hours: 32.5 per week. Monday and Wednesday 7.00‑14.00; Thursday 7.00‑19.00; Alternate weekends 7.00‑14.00 (Weekends are paid at an enhanced rate of £14.39 per hour). 30 minute unpaid break on long day. Uniform provided.
About the Role
Main Purpose: To prepare and cook meals to the standard set by Brainkind and to supervise the kitchen and Catering Assistant staff in the absence of the Head Chef.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure that all food is correctly and safely prepared, stored, and presented in a way which meets agreed Brainkind standards.
- Ensure all equipment is left clean at end of the shift in line with systems in place.
- Ensure recording of cleaning and equipment maintenance schedules is in line with Brainkind policies and procedures.
- Report equipment faults, repair and maintenance needs in line with local procedures.
- Record all information as required by Brainkind policies and procedures.
- Report any unmet training need in use of equipment or processes.
- Facilitate the safe and smooth running of the Service, maintain a safe working environment, maintain service user confidentiality, and occasionally take on reasonable additional tasks.
Other Responsibilities:
- Post holds no budgetary responsibility but will be expected to ensure costs and expenditures are kept within agreed limits.
- Accountable for the use and safety of materials, components, products, and equipment. This includes responsibility for the performance of procedures.
- Deputise for the Head Chef by providing catering service within available resources and ensure all catering staff follow Brainkind policies and procedures.
- Assist the Head Chef to provide services that meet the Brainkind and regulatory body standards.
Qualifications:
- Level 2 Food Hygiene or higher.
- NVQ or SVQ Level 2 General Catering or equivalent.
- Previous experience of working in kitchens.
- Demonstrable skills in cooking for large groups of people and an ability to cater for varying dietary needs.
- Knowledge of regulations, e.g. COSHH, Health & Safety, HACCP.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to work closely with service users and communicate effectively with them.
- Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Competent IT skills.
Benefits:
- Competitive rate up to £14.78 per hour.
- 33 days annual leave.
- Buy/Sell up to 5 days annual leave each year.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Excellent training and support.
- Company Pension.
- Group life assurance.
- Eye voucher scheme.
- Long service and staff awards.
- Free parking.
Additional Information: We also put a big focus on employee wellbeing and support. It matters to us that you feel at your best. Career development is a priority. We will ensure you get all the training and learning opportunities you need to achieve your goals.
Equal Opportunity: Brainkind is a Disability Confident Employer. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Brainkind is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive organisation. It is a place where we recognise, celebrate, and live our values which includes offering a range of inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support employees from all backgrounds.
Chef employer: Brainkind
At Brainkind, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and career development. Our Hitchin location provides a vibrant environment where you can thrive, with excellent training opportunities, generous annual leave, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Brainkind and their values. When you walk into that interview, show them you understand their mission and how you can contribute to it. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your A-game! Dress smartly and arrive on time. First impressions matter, so show them you’re serious about the role and ready to take on the kitchen challenges at Brainkind.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking experience and any qualifications you have, like your Level 2 Food Hygiene. We want to see how you can whip up meals that meet our Brainkind standards!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your previous kitchen roles and responsibilities. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your skills.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Chef at Brainkind. Mention specific experiences that relate to supervising staff or maintaining kitchen safety. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences that Brainkind caters to. Be ready to discuss how you can adapt meals for various diets, showcasing your experience in cooking for large groups.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Brush up on your Level 2 Food Hygiene knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you ensure food safety and cleanliness in the kitchen. Mention any relevant regulations like COSHH and HACCP that you are familiar with.
✨Team Player Attitude
Highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen environment, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Questions About the Role
Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations and Brainkind's standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.
