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- Tasks: Lead the culinary business, ensuring quality and sustainability in food offerings.
- Company: Join Compass, a leader in food service across 6,000 venues in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like travel discounts, wellness classes, and cash rewards on spending.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and sustainability in food.
- Qualifications: Must have culinary expertise and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated here; everyone can thrive and grow their career.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We ensure you\’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury\’s, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
You will be leading the Chartwells Independant culinary business with a clear and inspiring vision, in line with the wider sector strategy. Specific focus on the value/cost, consistency and quality of our food offer, leading plans to engage and retain the regional and unit culinary teams, and leading sustainability/food waste initiatives across the sector.
As The Head of Food you will be responsible for ensuring the in-unit execution of food offers, across all units, meets the approved standards including compliance with sector APL\’s, recipes, menus and budgeted GP% targets. Additionally the role will be required to support sector MAP 1, new business and retention activity, provide feedback and support to the recipe and menu development team and support Operations teams with the training and development of their culinary teams. The Head of Food will also manage and direct any sector Regional Executive Chefs
In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary
Who you are:
Head Of Food – Birmingham
We ensure you\’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury\’s, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
You will be leading the Chartwells Independant culinary business with a clear and inspiring vision, in line with the wider sector strategy. Specific focus on the value/cost, consistency and quality of our food offer, leading plans to engage and retain the regional and unit culinary teams, and leading sustainability/food waste initiatives across the sector.
As The Head of Food you will be responsible for ensuring the in-unit execution of food offers, across all units, meets the approved standards including compliance with sector APL\’s, recipes, menus and budgeted GP% targets. Additionally the role will be required to support sector MAP 1, new business and retention activity, provide feedback and support to the recipe and menu development team and support Operations teams with the training and development of their culinary teams. The Head of Food will also manage and direct any sector Regional Executive Chefs
In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary
Who you are:
- Must be a skilled communicator, with a willingness and ability to work/build credibility with stakeholders at all levels in a collaborative and constructive way
- Collaboration and influencing: proudly building our business together to agreed ways of working
- A motivator of people with the ability to engage
- Maintains the in-depth technical knowledge and skills required for the role, is excited about food, and has their finger on the pulse of current trends
- Client and customer focus: obsessive about service
- Strong influencing, coaching and people development skills
- Ability to drive through change
- Has a commercial approach and inquisitive nature
- Strategic leadership: making the big calls, problem solving, making balanced business decisions
- Must have considerable expertise in the culinary field, gained through hands-on kitchen experience
- Commercial and results orientation: making money in the right way, understanding commercial pressures e.g. inflation, IOF and tailing approach accordingly
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proven track record of delivering successful food service offers that met consumer, client and operational requirements and meet costing requirements.
- Commercially focussed with ability to measure impact and results
- Approach to analysis of work problems and opportunities that allows commercially sound judgements to be made on time
About Us
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.
Job Reference: com/1006/126800/52743792/SU #Independent
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!
Visit this company’s hub to learn about their values, culture, and latest jobs.
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Head Of Food - Birmingham employer: Chartwells - Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells - Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Food - Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest culinary trends and sustainability practices. Being knowledgeable about current food trends and how they align with sustainability initiatives will show us that you're not just passionate about food, but also about making a positive impact in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the culinary field, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Engaging with others in the industry can provide you with insights into what it takes to succeed as a Head of Food and may even lead to valuable connections within our organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing culinary teams and driving change. We value candidates who can demonstrate their ability to motivate and engage teams, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led culinary operations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commercial awareness by understanding the financial aspects of food service. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and met financial targets in previous roles, as this will highlight your ability to contribute to our business's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Food - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the culinary field, particularly any leadership roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and drive change. Use specific examples that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your strategic vision for the role. Mention how your skills in communication, collaboration, and commercial awareness make you a perfect fit for the Head of Food position.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, focus on quantifiable achievements from your previous roles, such as successful food service offers or initiatives that improved sustainability and reduced food waste. This will demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Trends: Mention your awareness of current culinary trends and how they can be applied to enhance the food offerings at Chartwells Independent. This shows that you are not only experienced but also forward-thinking and innovative.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells - Independent
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
As the Head of Food, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for food and culinary trends. Be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes, recent food innovations, and how you stay updated with industry trends.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in a culinary setting. Discuss your approach to motivating and engaging staff.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with the commercial aspects of the role, such as budgeting and cost management. Be ready to discuss how you've previously balanced quality with cost-effectiveness in food service.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for scenarios related to food safety, menu development, or sustainability initiatives, and think through how you would handle these situations.
