At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-quality kitchen, create varied menus, and maintain food standards.
- Company: Prestigious school with a strong reputation for quality food.
- Benefits: £40,000 salary, Monday to Friday schedule, no weekend work.
- Other info: Opportunity for leadership development in a structured, supportive setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a professional environment while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-volume catering or similar.
A genuine Monday-to-Friday Head Chef role, with a £40,000 salary, in a prestigious school environment. This is an opportunity to step away from the long hours and relentless weekend work of hospitality, while still leading a high-quality kitchen and delivering food you can be proud of. You'll have the opportunity to bring your experience, ideas and leadership to a well-established operation where quality, consistency and standards really matter.
This is a prestigious school with an excellent reputation, where food is an important part of the wider experience. You'll be working in a professional environment with high expectations, serving a discerning community and working alongside a team that takes pride in what it delivers. It's an environment where your experience as a Head Chef will be valued, and where you can build something long-term rather than simply firefighting service after service.
As Head Chef, you'll have real ownership of the kitchen operation. You'll be responsible for:
- Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team.
- Creating high-quality, varied menus suitable for a school environment.
- Maintaining consistently high food and presentation standards.
- Managing ordering, stock, waste and kitchen costs.
- Ensuring excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Working closely with the wider school team to deliver a first-class food service.
- Bringing new ideas and continually improving what the kitchen delivers.
This is a chance to use your existing leadership experience while developing further within a structured, professional and prestigious environment.
£40,000 per annum
Monday to Friday
No regular weekend working
Head Chef responsibility
High standards and a busy service environment
A professional kitchen team
A role where organisation, consistency and leadership are essential. This isn't a role for someone looking to coast. The expectations are high, and you'll need to be hands-on, organised and comfortable taking responsibility for the kitchen.
We're looking for an experienced Head Chef who has proven experience in a similar environment - ideally someone who understands the demands of high-volume catering, education, contract catering, hospitality or another structured food operation. You'll need to be:
- A confident and inspirational kitchen leader.
- Passionate about producing quality food.
- Highly organised and commercially aware.
- Comfortable managing a team and setting standards.
- Experienced in food safety, compliance and kitchen management.
- Someone who takes genuine pride in what they deliver.
Head Chef - School employer: Change Hospitality
Join our dynamic team of Casual Chefs in London, where we prioritise work-life balance and flexibility with predominantly daytime shifts. Enjoy competitive pay rates of £18 to £24 per hour, including holiday pay, while working in a supportive environment that values your culinary skills and offers opportunities for professional growth across various contract catering sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - School
✨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 Change Hospitality. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Change Hospitality
Don't be shy about reaching out to Change Hospitality 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!
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 Change Hospitality 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 Change Hospitality
✨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!
