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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence and deliver high-quality food in an educational setting.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in catering for the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on travel, groceries, cinema tickets, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through exceptional food and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Proven culinary experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Benefits
- 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
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Role Purpose
To plan, organise and lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality food, ensuring the company’s reputation for excellence is consistently upheld in line with contractual and brand standards. The role will drive culinary quality, develop teams, deliver outstanding hospitality and ensure full compliance with food safety, HSE and financial controls.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the preparation and cooking of food to agreed quality, brand and contractual standards
- Deliver first-class culinary training to enhance skills, consistency and food quality across onsite teams
- Plan and deliver exceptional hospitality and event catering
- Drive sales through centrally developed menus, promotions and preferred supplier usage
- Take full responsibility for food safety, HSE and COSHH compliance
- Implement and maintain food monitoring and cost-control procedures, ensuring delivery within agreed budgets
- Work collaboratively with the wider culinary team to support skills development and central initiatives
- Support the day-to-day operational requirements of the business, adapting to changing priorities
Key Relationships
- Executive Chef
- Business Director and Operations Teams
- Regional Culinary Team
- Ingredient and Recipe Manager
- Onsite Catering Teams
- Chartwells Marketing and Nutrition Teams
- Clients, Schools and Senior Leadership Teams
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Proven culinary background within a similar foodservice or catering environment
- Experience working in an education setting (schools or colleges)
- Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
- Passion for great food and exceptional service delivery
- Confident communicator with excellent presentation skills across diverse audiences
- Financially astute, with experience managing food costs, margins and budgets
- Experience delivering culinary skills training
- Ability to analyse information and drive consistent results through planning and process
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility quickly
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Flexible approach with the ability to work independently and travel when required
Essential Requirements
- Operational catering experience
- Knowledge and understanding of the School Food Standards
- High standards of personal presentation, professionalism and integrity
- Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to deliver in varied environments
- Creative and imaginative approach to food presentation for audiences including children, parents, headteachers and governors
- Ability to perform under pressure and adapt to change
- Full UK driving licence
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
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!
Executive Chef in Northampton employer: Chartwells Schools
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who work in education settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a sample dish or create a mini portfolio showcasing your culinary creations. This hands-on approach can really impress potential employers and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for interviews! Brush up on your leadership and coaching skills, as these are key for an Executive Chef role. Prepare to discuss how you've developed teams and delivered exceptional service in past positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills match the role. Mention your experience in education settings and how you've led teams before. We love seeing how you fit into our culture!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that’s easy to read!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Schools
✨Know Your Culinary Standards
Familiarise yourself with the School Food Standards and the specific culinary expectations of the role. Be ready to discuss how you can uphold and enhance these standards in your previous experiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in a culinary environment. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you've motivated others to achieve high-quality results.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your experience managing food costs, budgets, and financial controls. Bring specific examples of how you've implemented cost-control procedures while maintaining quality.
✨Engage with Your Audience
Since you'll be presenting to diverse groups, practice your communication skills. Think about how you can adapt your message for different audiences, from children to headteachers, and be ready to share your creative ideas for food presentation.
