Head Chef in London

Head Chef in London

London Full-Time 34692 - 34692 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Chapter One

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare fresh, seasonal meals and support menu planning for students.
  • Company: Join one of England's fastest-growing school food providers.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, and access to professional development.
  • Other info: Enjoy a dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on student wellbeing through high-quality meals.
  • Qualifications: Previous catering experience and a passion for quality food.

The predicted salary is between 34692 - 34692 £ per year.

Impact Food Group (IFG) is one of England's fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment. Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.

About the role:

  • School Location: St Catherine's School, Twickenham, Richmond upon Thames, TW1 4QJ
  • Working Days: Monday to Friday
  • Shifts & Working hours: 6am-2.30pm (40 hours per week)
  • Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time only)
  • Pay Details: £34,692 per Annum

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Head Chef, you'll prepare fresh, seasonal meals for our independent school. You'll focus on quality, presentation, and portioning to meet the expectations of students and staff. Volume wise you will be used to producing up to 450 main meals. Your responsibilities include:

  • Preparing and cooking meals from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients
  • Supporting menu planning and adapting dishes to dietary requirements
  • Preparing and assisting with catering events, banquets, and special functions
  • Ensuring the kitchen is clean, organised, and compliant with food safety standards
  • Working closely with the team to deliver consistently excellent meals

Skills & experience:

  • Previous catering experience, ideally in a professional or high-volume environment
  • Passion for high-quality food, presentation, and attention to detail
  • Experience or willingness to support catering events and special functions
  • Knowledge of food hygiene and safe preparation practices
  • Team player with strong organisational skills

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Opportunities for professional development and culinary training
  • Work as part of a highly professional team in prestigious schools
  • Receive a free meal on shift
  • Access a wide range of free qualifications and career development opportunities
  • Benefit from a staff discount scheme at over 850 retailers
  • Take part in monthly incentives for top-performing teams, including shopping vouchers

If you think you've got what it takes, and the times above suit you, we'd love to hear from you! A kitchen visit, trade test and interview will be required for this role. IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which IFG will pay for. We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.

Head Chef in London employer: Chapter One

Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where culinary passion meets professional growth. As a Head Chef at St Catherine's School in Twickenham, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, access to extensive training opportunities, and the chance to create high-quality meals for students in a supportive team environment. With benefits like free meals on shift and discounts at over 850 retailers, IFG is dedicated to fostering a rewarding workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and development.
Chapter One

Contact Detail:

Chapter One Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school and its food culture! Research St Catherine's School and understand what they value in their meals. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring samples of your dishes or even offer to do a mini cooking demo. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for high-quality food and presentation, which is key for the Head Chef role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with other chefs and professionals in the industry. Join culinary groups on social media or attend local food events. You never know who might have insider info about job openings or can put in a good word for you!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about landing the Head Chef position with us at Impact Food Group.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London

Culinary Skills
Menu Planning
Food Presentation
High-Volume Cooking
Food Hygiene Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Event Catering Experience
Fresh Ingredient Preparation
Compliance with Food Safety Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for high-quality food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and passion for creating delicious meals. We want to see how you can bring that enthusiasm to our kitchen!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Head Chef role at St Catherine's School. Highlight relevant experience in high-volume cooking and any special events you've catered. This shows us you're serious about joining our team and understand what we're all about.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for our team!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and values!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chapter One

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients you’ll be using. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your menu planning and adapt dishes for dietary requirements. This shows your passion for high-quality food and attention to detail.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare examples from your previous catering experience, especially in high-volume environments. Talk about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in preparing meals for large groups or special events.

✨Teamwork is Key

Highlight your ability to work closely with a team. Share instances where you collaborated effectively with others in the kitchen to deliver excellent meals. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a great chef, but also a team player who can contribute to a positive kitchen environment.

✨Safety First

Brush up on food hygiene and safe preparation practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with food safety standards in your kitchen. This is crucial for any head chef role, especially in a school setting where student wellbeing is paramount.

Head Chef in London
Chapter One
Location: London

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