At a Glance
- 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: Make a positive impact on students' experiences while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, strong culinary skills, and effective communication are essential for this role.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated here; we value unique talents and backgrounds in our team.
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:
- 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
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.
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/1108/98577001/52742508/R/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!
Regional Support Chef Manager employer: Chartwells
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Support Chef Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary standards and nutritional ethos that Chartwells Independent upholds. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine passion for food and service.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and support school-based catering teams, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the independent schools within the South Region that Chartwells serves. Understanding their unique needs and challenges will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the dining experience for pupils and staff.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Chartwells Independent if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you align your application and interview responses with what they value most.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Support Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in culinary management and team leadership. Emphasise any previous roles where you supported kitchen operations or worked in educational settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and service, as well as your ability to inspire and lead teams. Mention specific examples of how you've positively impacted previous workplaces.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as menu planning, food safety, and budget management. These are key responsibilities for the role and should be clearly demonstrated in your application.
Showcase Your Culinary Background: Include details about your culinary qualifications and any relevant certifications. If you have experience preparing high-quality food from scratch, make sure to mention it as it aligns with the job requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your genuine love for food and service during the interview. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your culinary journey and how it has shaped your desire to positively impact young people's dining experiences.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves stepping into leadership positions, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Highlight specific instances where you inspired a team or managed kitchen operations effectively, showcasing your ability to lead in a supportive manner.
✨Understand Financial Management
Familiarise yourself with basic financial concepts related to catering, such as cost management and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you have previously managed resources efficiently and how you plan to maintain budgetary requirements in this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle challenges like menu planning, stock control, or ensuring food safety standards are met, and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.