At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious buffet dishes.
- Company: Join the vibrant Butlin’s Skegness resort family.
- Benefits: Live-in accommodation available, competitive pay, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest experiences with your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a busy kitchen and Level 3 Food Safety qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for experienced Chefs to join our Buffets team at Butlin’s Skegness. This is a role for someone who already has solid experience working in a fast‑paced, high‑volume kitchen and takes real pride in delivering consistent, high‑quality food. Our buffet restaurants are at the heart of the resort, and you’ll play a key part in leading and developing the team who bring that experience to life.
Working closely with the Junior Kitchen Manager, you’ll oversee the daily operation of your section, ensuring efficiency, great standards, and full compliance with food safety policies. You’ll maintain a clean, organised workstation and set the standard for the Commis Chefs you’ll support, train and mentor. Your leadership will help them grow while keeping the kitchen running smoothly and safely.
This is a full time permanent role, 35 hours per week, working 5 days over 7 including weekends, paid fortnightly. Breakfast shifts run 4am–12pm, and dinner shifts 11am–7.30pm. Flexibility is essential to meet the needs of the business.
Qualifications: We’re looking for chefs with proven experience at a similar level in a busy, high‑volume kitchen. This role isn’t suitable for beginners or those without professional kitchen experience. You’ll be hardworking, reliable and determined, with a genuine commitment to high standards and a desire to keep improving. You’ll understand the impact great food and great teamwork have on the guest experience, and you’ll bring the energy and enthusiasm to help your team deliver it. You’ll hold your Level 3 Food Safety qualification and be confident leading others in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll also be responsible for managing margins, controlling costs, and maintaining excellent hygiene, health and safety practices.
Responsibilities: Key responsibilities for the Chef role include:
- Overseeing the daily operation of your section.
- Ensuring efficiency, great standards, and full compliance with food safety policies.
- Maintaining clean, organised workstation standards and setting standards for Commis Chefs.
- Training and mentoring staff to grow while keeping the kitchen running smoothly and safely.
Please note that due to lone working and hours required for the role, applicants will need to be over 18 to apply. Start and finish times may vary depending on the break type.
Benefits: Live‑in accommodation may be available for those over 19 relocating to the area (subject to DBS).
Chef - Buffet Restaurant in Ely employer: Butlins
Contact Detail:
Butlins Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Buffet Restaurant in Ely
✨Tip Number 1
Get your game face on and network like a pro! Chat with other chefs, attend culinary events, or join local cooking groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Butlin’s or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in the kitchen! If you can, whip up a signature dish and share it on social media or with friends. This not only showcases your talent but also gets people talking about you in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that excite you, like Butlin’s! Tailor your approach to highlight how your experience aligns with their buffet restaurant vibe. We love seeing passion for our brand!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after applying! A quick message to express your enthusiasm can make a big difference. It shows you’re keen and ready to bring your culinary flair to the team. Plus, we appreciate a proactive attitude!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Buffet Restaurant in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your solid experience in a fast-paced kitchen. We want to see how you've handled high-volume cooking and maintained quality standards in your previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Skills: When you’re writing your application, be specific about your skills, especially your Level 3 Food Safety qualification. We love seeing candidates who can lead and mentor others, so share examples of how you've done this before.
Keep It Clean and Organised: Just like in the kitchen, your application should be clean and organised. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for us to read. A tidy application reflects your attention to detail!
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, we love seeing applicants who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butlins
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience in high-volume kitchens, including specific dishes you've mastered and how you maintain food safety standards. This shows you're not just a chef, but a knowledgeable leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring Commis Chefs, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully trained and developed team members in the past. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality
Express your commitment to delivering high-quality food and excellent guest experiences. Share stories that illustrate your pride in your work and how you ensure consistency in your dishes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think about how you would handle busy service times, manage costs, or deal with unexpected issues in the kitchen. Practising these scenarios can help you feel more confident during the interview.