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- Tasks: Prepare and cook fresh meals for colleagues and visitors in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Brakes, the UK's largest foodservice supplier with a passion for food.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, health services, and discounts on products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by serving delicious food while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and a positive attitude towards learning.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture where your unique talents are celebrated.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
We have an opportunity for a Chef to work in our kitchen and canteen to serve fresh food to our colleagues and on-site visitors at our Brakes depot in Reading. If you have previous experience cooking and food handling and are currently searching for a great career opportunity and new direction – you’ll go far with us.
You will be responsible for preparing food ingredients, assisting in the cooking process, and maintaining a clean and sanitary food preparation area. On a typical shift, you can expect to be cooking simple meals for up to 150 internal colleagues. This is a varied role where you will be able to assist in the planning of menus, setting up catering events as necessary, and rota organisation. You will undertake cashier duties and be responsible for operating a till for contactless payments. We work as a team to undertake cleaning and washing up in the kitchen and dining areas.
As Canteen Chef, you will need previous kitchen experience in cooking and food handling in a fast-paced, time-pressured commercial kitchen environment. You will require the ability to pick up new skills quickly both in the kitchen and on a computer using Microsoft Office. If you have excellent customer service skills along with an awareness of level 3 in Food Safety Supervision for catering and a level 2 HACCP, we want to hear from you. Previous card payment experience would be advantageous but is not essential, and we can teach you the basics required for the role. You will have a desire to learn and understand more about the business, approaching tasks with both an ability to think on your feet for problem-solving and a positive can-do attitude.
This is a great role that offers the opportunity for progression within a large organisation. In addition to a competitive monthly salary, 25 days annual leave (including statutory) and company pension, you can also look forward to the following benefits:
- Wagestream – Access to an app that gives you early access to your earned salary and supports financial wellbeing
- The option to purchase additional annual leave
- Help at Hand - Access to 24/7 GP appointments, physiotherapy, and a range of health and wellbeing services for you and your family
- Life assurance
- Access to Sysco Perks offering discounts across a wide range of products and services – from gym membership to your weekly supermarket shop
- The ability to purchase our products at hugely discounted prices
- Heavily subsidised colleague canteen
To enjoy the rewards of joining our supportive team, apply now!
At Brakes, everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’; we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV; we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated, and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Brakes, and we recognise that Brakes can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.
Night Chef in Reading employer: Brakes
Contact Detail:
Brakes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Brakes' values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be preparing meals for up to 150 colleagues, it’s a good idea to brush up on your culinary techniques. Maybe whip up a few dishes for friends or family to get comfortable under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've handled customer interactions in the past. This will highlight your ability to create a positive dining experience for everyone at Brakes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and benefits right there, making it easier for you to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Night Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Kitchen Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous kitchen experience. We want to know about the dishes you've cooked and any special techniques you’ve mastered. This is your chance to shine!
Be Yourself: At StudySmarter, we care about who you are as a person, not just your CV. So, let your personality come through in your application. Share your passion for food and how you connect with others in a team setting.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the Night Chef role. Mention your experience with food safety and any relevant certifications. This shows us that you’re serious about the position and understand what it takes to succeed.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brakes
✨Know Your Ingredients
Brush up on your knowledge of food handling and safety regulations, especially Level 3 in Food Safety Supervision. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you take food safety seriously and are ready to maintain a clean kitchen.
✨Show Off Your Cooking Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous kitchen experience and any specific dishes you excel at. If you can, bring along a portfolio or photos of your culinary creations to showcase your skills and creativity during the interview.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team environment. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues, especially in a fast-paced setting.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Think of a few scenarios where you had to think on your feet in the kitchen. Whether it was dealing with a last-minute menu change or a kitchen mishap, being able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills will impress your interviewers.
