At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, create menus, and ensure top-notch food quality.
- Company: Join the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension, discounts, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' experiences while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 catering qualification and experience in large-scale kitchen operations required.
The predicted salary is between 37900 - 37900 £ per year.
Location: Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire College – Dunstable Kingsway Campus
Salary: Between £34,420 and £37,900 per annum DOE and Qualifications
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year
Contract Type: Fixed Term – Full Time – Fixed until 01 March 2027 with possibility to extend
Salary and benefits: 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, People’s pension, retail and leisure discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Note – Salary and Annual Leave entitlement is for that of a Qualified Lecturer. UK based contract, you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About The Role
- Kitchen Operations & Food Production: Support the Catering Manager in planning and delivering daily kitchen operations, including menu creation, food preparation, stock control, and maintaining high food quality standards.
- Cost Control & Efficiency: Manage food costs effectively through budgeting, portion control, waste management, and accurate ordering, ensuring targets are achieved.
- Team Leadership & Development: Supervise and support the kitchen team, acting as a role model, providing training, and fostering a positive, high‑performing working environment.
- Customer Service & Experience: Ensure excellent service delivery, resolve complaints, support hospitality requirements, and engage with customers to exceed expectations.
- Compliance & Health & Safety: Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensure adherence to HACCP and safety regulations, and uphold safeguarding, EDI, and training responsibilities.
About You
- Qualifications & Industry Experience: Level 2 catering qualification (or equivalent experience), hygiene certificate, GCSE English and Maths (or willingness), with strong experience in large‑scale kitchen operations and supervision.
- Culinary & Technical Expertise: Skilled in food preparation, flavour development, presentation, menu structure, and food cost management, with knowledge of hospitality trends and quality standards.
- Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate teams, manage performance, and deliver results while fostering a positive and inclusive working environment.
- Organisation & Commercial Awareness: Strong planning, budgeting, and organisational skills with attention to detail, IT proficiency, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Professionalism & Flexibility: Proactive, reliable, and adaptable, with commitment to safeguarding, health & safety, continuous development, and maintaining professional standards across all sites.
Interviews to be Held TBC
Alignment to Our Vision Values
- Valuing Teamwork: We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously: We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred: At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive: We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring: We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land‑based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community‑based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Safeguarding Our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offences Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offences Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex‑Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Expires: 30/06/2026 23:59
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - INTERNAL ONLY in Dunstable
✨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 Central Bedfordshire College. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Central Bedfordshire College
Don't be shy about reaching out to Central Bedfordshire College 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 Chef Manager - INTERNAL ONLY in Dunstable
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 Central Bedfordshire College 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 Central Bedfordshire College
✨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!
