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- Tasks: Lead a busy college kitchen, preparing and presenting delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join Caterlink, a dynamic company focused on excellent food and service.
- Benefits: Earn £21 per hour, enjoy term-time only work, and access great discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life with your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for food safety and customer service.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head Chef for a very busy College with fantastic facilities and a major overhaul being undertaken in 2026 with state of the art equipment in the kitchen to reflect the College's ambitions in this fast moving sector. We are looking for a structured, well organised, adaptable, hard-working and approachable leader who will be responsible for the day to day running of the kitchen across multiple brands and concepts. You should be passionate about delivering an efficient service to our students whilst ensuring we maintain great customer service and high food safety standards.
The college is upgrading and overhauling the catering offer, with new kitchen work spaces, state of the art equipment and new food court style operation along with a branded Cafe, micro shop and hospitality. You will be responsible for all aspects of running the kitchen and supporting your manager including food safety, training, recruitment and reaching financial targets.
The role:
- £21 per hour
- 40 hours per week working Monday – Friday – 7:00-15:00
- No weekends or evenings!
- Term-time only – working 38 weeks per year
Your key responsibilities will include:
- To prepare, cook and present food to the standards required by Caterlink and the client.
- To ensure that all Food Safety and Health and Safety procedures are followed and all mandatory paperwork is completed accurately and with integrity.
- To ensure that the company’s reputation for excellent food and service is enhanced with the client and customers and expectations are consistently exceeded.
- To support your line manager with the day-to-day running of the location including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans.
- Prepare meals mostly from standardised recipes in a timely manner and presentation is key.
Great opportunity to grow within our fast paced college sector. Caterlink strives to always provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our teams where every individual is treated with respect, integrity and has the opportunity to grow and be treated equally and with fairness at all times. Caterlink is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be obtained for this role.
Additional Information:
There are many advantages to working for us including:
- With Caterlink you have the opportunity to a blended learning programme that can include formal qualifications including Apprenticeships, classroom training, eLearning and on the job training to support and encourage your development.
- Everyone who joins us is provided with an induction where they learn more about us.
- We invest in development opportunities and are always looking to recruit, train and retain the best people.
- Working for Caterlink ensures you are able to enjoy a great work/life balance – this is the beauty of working term-time only and no weekends!
- We offer you access to our Employee Discount Platform where you can make great savings at supermarkets, cinema, restaurants and many more!
- You may be eligible to join our Pension scheme.
Caterlink - Head Chef employer: Caterlink
Contact Detail:
Caterlink Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caterlink - Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college's vibe! Visit the campus if you can, chat with current staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry on LinkedIn or attend local culinary events. You never know who might have a lead on the Head Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food safety and customer service during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you’re the right fit for their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Caterlink - Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and delivering excellent service shine through. We want to see how excited you are about the role and how you can contribute to our mission of providing top-notch food for students.
Be Organised: Since the role requires a structured and well-organised approach, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to showcase your experience and skills in managing a busy kitchen environment.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to mention your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've trained and supported your team in the past, and how you plan to maintain high food safety standards while keeping morale high.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Caterlink!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterlink
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the latest trends in catering and kitchen management. Research Caterlink’s current offerings and think about how you can contribute to their vision for the future. Being able to discuss specific dishes or concepts that align with their goals will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed a kitchen before, focusing on your organisational skills and adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and ensure high standards of food safety and customer service.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Food Safety
Food safety is crucial in this role, so be prepared to talk about your experience with health and safety procedures. Bring up any relevant certifications you have and explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will demonstrate your dedication to maintaining high standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the college's plans for the kitchen overhaul and how they envision the Head Chef contributing to that process. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.
