At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food production across multiple outlets, ensuring quality and profitability.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a top provider of catering services in the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym discounts, wellness classes, and exclusive travel deals.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow your career with training and development programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and quality in food service.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and experience in a leadership role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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:
- Free meals on duty
- Subsidised gym membership
- Subsidised car parking
- Electric vehicle charging points
- Wellness facilities
- 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
Working 5 out of 7 days
Overall Purpose of the Role
Lead the food production operations across multiple large and complex food service outlets with overall accountability for the quality and profitable delivery of all food production. Drive tech based ordering solutions and deliver high volume summer school business.
Duties/Tasks
- Development, innovation and approval of menus
- Manages the delivery of exclusive VIP functions and events
- Ensures food quality standards are consistently achieved across all food service operations
- Ensure all contract SLA are met in terms of food offering
- Drive and support Hospitality and Delivered catering business on campus
- Drive use of tech installed on campus to enhance sales and customer experience
- Leadership of a health & safety culture across all food service operations
- Leads the catering operations to ensure all food production, labour & GP targets are achieved across the contract/site
- Contributes to the continuous improvement of contract performance as a key member of the contact leadership team
- Leads the team through effective communication & performance management
- Recruits, trains & develops the team ensuring there is a succession plan in place and supports the company Apprenticeship programme where applicable
- Ensures food purchasing and stock management is managed effectively
- Performs other tasks as reasonably requested
Person Specification
- Competent to work within or lead, manage and develop the team
- Acts in line with guidelines and procedures, to ensure the team operates to its maximum potential
- Always strives to deliver above and beyond the expectations set by management, customer and client
- Has a proven desire for the delivery of the highest quality of service and food offer obtainable
- Has the drive to ensure that all results are attained in the most professional and honest manner
Essential
- City & Guilds 706/1, 2 or NVQ Level 3 or similar qualification
- Experience of leading a successful team
- Influential leadership skills, able to inspire others
- Experience in an Exec or Head Chef role at a similar level
- Demonstrate innovation and strategic direction in food planning and menu development
- Passion about food and customer service
- Knowledge of working to a budget and achieving GP
- Expert culinary skills
- Business management within a kitchen environment
Desirable
- NVQ Lvl3 in professional cookery or equivalent
- Intermediate food hygiene/Lvl3
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.
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 Head Chef - Uxbridge employer: Chartwells Universities
As an Executive Head Chef at our Uxbridge location, you will be part of a dynamic team within Chartwells, a leader in catering for the education sector. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth, with comprehensive benefits including free meals, wellness facilities, and career development programmes. Join us to lead innovative food production operations while enjoying exclusive discounts and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef - Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food production and menu development. Being able to discuss innovative ideas during your interview will show that you're not just a chef, but a forward-thinking leader who can drive culinary excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing large teams and complex operations. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led a team through challenges, as this role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire others.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your understanding of budget management and achieving gross profit targets. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively managed costs while maintaining high food quality, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for customer service and how it translates into your culinary practices. Discuss how you ensure customer satisfaction through food quality and service, as this aligns with the values of Chartwells.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef - Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leading kitchen teams and managing food production operations. Emphasise any previous roles as an Executive or Head Chef, showcasing your culinary skills and leadership abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific achievements in menu development and team management, and explain how you can contribute to the success of Chartwells.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly list your qualifications such as City & Guilds 706/1, 2 or NVQ Level 3. If you have additional certifications like food hygiene, make sure to include those as well to demonstrate your commitment to high standards.
Showcase Leadership Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in previous roles. Discuss your approach to performance management and how you foster a positive work culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Universities
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your love for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you’ve created or innovative menu ideas you’ve implemented in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Executive Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in past positions.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budget management and achieving gross profit targets. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed costs while maintaining high food quality in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Health & Safety Knowledge
Highlight your understanding of health and safety regulations in the kitchen. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and foster a culture of safety within your team.
