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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create outstanding dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join Compass, a leading food service company with a focus on people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension scheme, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the culinary world while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven culinary skills, leadership experience, and a passion for food.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique talents and ideas.
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:
- Monday to Friday
- Free meals
- 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
What you\’ll be doing:
Chartwells Independents is the leading provider of catering and support services to Independent Schools in the UK. We provide innovative catering, hospitality and food service by creating imaginative menus delivered with an exceptional service.
We nurture and develop our teams to enrich their skills which allows them to show their passion and inspiration that as a company we are proud to encourage.
You will be leading a team who share the same passion for preparing exciting fresh and nutritious food on a daily basis. This is a complex, busy and multi-facetted environment that also offers a great work life balance.
In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary.
More about the role:
- Delivery of a range of food and catering services across a number of outlets in a complex, busy and multi-facetted environment
- The Head Chef will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food ensuring that the company’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times
- Taking responsibility for the food production with a hands-on approach
- Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning and promotions and preferred suppliers
- Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HSE and COSHH
- The Head Chef will also be required to implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets.
Who you are:
- Excellent and Innovative culinary and presentation skills
- Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills
- Energetic with a passion to do a great job
- Able to manage staff in a calm, inspirational manner
- A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage
- Demonstrates a passion for food
- Team Player
- Excellent organisation skills
- Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
- A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing, including control
Please note: This role is contracted to 41 weeks per year
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/1811/41472001/52776380/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!
Head Chef - London employer: Chartwells
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend food events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to check out our listings and submit your application directly to increase your chances of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark that makes you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing kitchens and driving sales through menu planning. We’re looking for someone who can bring their unique flair to our culinary offerings!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show off your organisational skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your favourite ingredients, cooking techniques, and how you source quality produce. This shows your passion for food and your commitment to quality, which is crucial for a Head Chef role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so it's important to convey your leadership style during the interview. Share examples of how you've inspired and managed staff in previous roles, and how you handle challenges in a calm and motivational manner.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budgeting, food costing, and profit margins. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed kitchen costs in the past and how you plan to drive sales through menu planning and promotions. This will demonstrate your understanding of the financial drivers behind the kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in the kitchen. Think about how you would handle food safety issues or manage a busy service. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
