At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present delicious, nutritious meals for students while managing a dynamic kitchen team.
- Company: Join Caterlink, a leader in providing quality food services in schools.
- Benefits: Earn up to £30,000, enjoy term-time hours, and access great employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional development and training.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' health and well-being with your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are hiring for a Chef Manager at Newline Learning Academy in Maidstone who wants to ensure our future generations are provided with nutritionally balanced and tasty food. This role is term‑time only and no weekends, so it is great for those looking for flexibility.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- To prepare, cook and present food to the standards required by Caterlink and the client.
- To ensure that the location meets statutory and company requirements of Health and Safety, Food Safety and environmental legislations and procedures.
- 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 be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the location and supervising teams, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans.
- To be the main point of contact for our client in your school, ensuring that regular adjustments and improvements are both recommended and implemented.
- Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and financial targets to ensure these are achieved.
- Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role by ensuring all training is completed and performance is managed.
Additional Information:
- You have the opportunity of 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 and enable you to be the best you can be.
- We offer you access to our Employee Discount Platform where you can make great savings at supermarkets, cinema, restaurants as well as holiday discounts, family days out and many more!
- You will have full access to our Wellbeing Services, including the Employee Assistance Program and Virtual GP benefits which are available free of charge to you and your family at any time.
- You may be eligible to join our Pension scheme.
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.
Caterlink – Chef Manager – Maidstone employer: Caterlink
Caterlink is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a flexible term-time only role as a Chef Manager in Maidstone. With access to comprehensive training programmes, employee discounts, and wellbeing services, we foster a supportive work culture where every team member can thrive. Join us in making a meaningful impact on future generations through nutritious and delicious food while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caterlink – Chef Manager – Maidstone
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Caterlink. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Caterlink
Don't be shy about reaching out to Caterlink directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Caterlink – Chef Manager – Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Caterlink and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterlink
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
