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- Tasks: Support school catering teams and ensure smooth kitchen operations while preparing high-quality food.
- Company: Join Chartwells Independent, part of Compass Group, a leader in food services across 6,000 venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a contributory pension, digital GP access, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a positive impact on students' daily experiences with food.
- Qualifications: Must be a skilled chef with relevant experience, passionate about food and service.
- Other info: This role offers career development in a supportive, people-first culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Support Chef Manager to join our dynamic regional team in South Region, supporting our independent school portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a passionate and professional team, delivering exceptional food experiences for pupils and staff in some of the UK’s most respected independent schools. At Chartwells Independent, you’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation, quality, and making food a real highlight of the school day. With a growing portfolio of schools across the UK, this role provides the opportunity to further your career in a high-quality environment with support, development, and a strong people-first culture.
Key Responsibilities Will Include:
- Providing hands-on support to school-based catering teams, stepping into leadership roles when required.
- Ensuring smooth kitchen operations and consistent service delivery across a number of schools.
- Preparing fresh, high-quality food from scratch in line with our culinary standards and nutritional ethos.
- Upholding the highest standards of food safety, health and safety, and kitchen hygiene.
- Supporting menu planning, stock control, food ordering, and production levels in line with budgetary and operational requirements.
- Supporting projects including re-launches, sales and mobilisations.
The Ideal Candidate Will Be:
- Genuinely passionate about food, service, and positively impacting young people’s daily experience.
- An effective communicator and team player, able to inspire and lead teams in a positive and supportive way.
- Financially aware, with the ability to manage costs and resources efficiently.
- A skilled chef with a strong culinary background and relevant experience or qualifications.
Join us at Chartwells Independent, part of the Compass Group family. As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK’s biggest businesses.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Support Chef Manager - South Region employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Chef Manager - South Region
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chartwells Independent's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality food and positive impact on students will help you align your passion for food with their goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Chartwells Independent. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills. As a Support Chef Manager, you'll need to inspire and lead teams, so think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or improved kitchen operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current food trends and dietary requirements, especially in educational settings. Being knowledgeable about nutrition and culinary standards will demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality food experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Chef Manager - South Region
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Support Chef Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and the qualities that Chartwells Independent is looking for in a candidate.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your culinary background, leadership abilities, and any experience in managing kitchen operations or catering teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and service. Mention specific examples of how you have positively impacted teams or projects in previous roles, and express your enthusiasm for working with young people in an educational setting.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any culinary qualifications or certifications, be sure to mention them in your application. This will demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your ability to meet the high standards expected by Chartwells Independent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your genuine love for food and service during the interview. Share experiences that highlight how you've positively impacted others' dining experiences, especially in a school setting.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight any specific instances where you stepped into a leadership role to ensure smooth operations.
✨Understand Financial Management
Since the role requires financial awareness, be ready to talk about your experience with budget management, cost control, and resource allocation. This will show that you can manage the operational requirements effectively.
✨Prepare for Culinary Questions
Brush up on your culinary knowledge and be ready to discuss menu planning, food safety standards, and kitchen hygiene practices. You might be asked to share your approach to preparing high-quality meals from scratch.
