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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to prepare and serve delicious meals for schools.
- Company: Join Thurrock Catering Services, known for award-winning school meals.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment with full training provided.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's nutrition while enjoying a fun workplace.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a friendly team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 1200 - 1400 £ per month.
We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic Cook/Chef with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude! We have 2 vacancies across Thurrock for this unique role which is an exciting opportunity to work within the School Meal Service. Thurrock Catering Services provides Bronze Food for Life, award winning lunchtime meals at Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and 2 Alternative Provision Academies within the Borough, serving more than one million meals each year to children and school staff.
Due to recent leavers, an opportunity now exists to work in a friendly and flexible environment within school kitchens in Thurrock. You will be required to prepare, produce, and deliver an excellent standard food service to the staff and pupils at schools in Thurrock. You must be able to organise, arrange and supervise all activities in the school kitchen, counter display and dining room area and must be prepared to cover wherever required across Thurrock in other schools if needed. You will need to promote the service and keep abreast of new products, promotions, and any changes in legislation.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Promotion of the Catering Service and supporting the Catering Service to keep abreast of new products & legislation.
- Organise and deliver a high standard of service and customer care.
- Food preparation, cooking, and service delivery.
- Lead and support the Catering Team to deliver a high standard Catering Service.
- Clearing Up and Cleaning including set up & down of dining hall.
- Adhere to all food safety due diligence requirements.
- To be the responsible person for Allergen Awareness.
- Support the Catering Service to increase uptake.
Full workplace training will be given, which includes food hygiene and safety training. A flexible approach with a ‘can-do’ attitude is required together with a pleasant personality and excellent customer care ethics. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at Enhanced Level with Children’s Barred List is required for this post.
Head of Kitchen in Grays employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Kitchen in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in school meal services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is a great way to showcase your culinary talents and your ability to work well with a team in a school kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to schools or catering services in Thurrock. Express your enthusiasm for the role and ask if they have any upcoming vacancies. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on food safety regulations and new culinary trends. This not only boosts your knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment to providing high-quality service, which is key for roles like Head of Kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Kitchen in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for preparing meals, especially in a school setting. We want to see that 'can-do' attitude right from the start!
Highlight Your Team Spirit: Since you'll be leading and supporting a team, make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve worked collaboratively. We value teamwork, so share examples of how you've contributed to a positive kitchen environment or helped others succeed.
Be Detail-Oriented: Pay attention to the details in your application. Mention your knowledge of food safety and allergen awareness, as these are crucial for the role. We appreciate candidates who understand the importance of these aspects in delivering a high standard of service.
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and nutritional guidelines, especially those relevant to school meals. Being able to discuss how you can incorporate these into your cooking will show your passion and knowledge about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Kitchen, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain high standards of service.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Care Ethic
Customer care is key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers or colleagues. This will illustrate your commitment to providing excellent service in a school environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a kitchen setting. Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenges like dietary restrictions or managing a busy lunch service. This will show your readiness for the fast-paced environment.