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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals and oversee menu changes in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in catering for the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with growth opportunities and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a difference by serving nutritious meals to students and shaping their health.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, customer service experience, and relevant culinary qualifications.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values individuality and promotes career advancement.
Job Overview
We\’re currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a part‑time basis contracted to 30 hours per week. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving the kind of food that truly brightens our clients\’ and customers\’ days, all within the market‑leading food service company in the UK. You\’ll get given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.
Shift Pattern
- Mon: Full‑time (Days)
- Tues: Full‑time (Days)
- Weds: Full‑time (Days)
- Thurs: Full‑time (Days)
- Fri: Full‑time (Days)
- Sat:
- Sun:
Please note: This role is contracted to 36 weeks per year.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing delicious, high‑quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Overseeing and implementing menu changes
- Identifying opportunities to improve our food services
- Listening and acting on customer feedback to consistently improve our food services
- Supporting with the creation of new menus and creative food concepts
- Representing Chartwells and maintaining a positive brand image
- Monitoring inventories to keep our kitchens well‑stocked
- Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
- Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations
Ideal Candidate
- Be passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service
- Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
- Have experience supervising a team
- Have experience in a similar Chef role
- Hold a Food Hygiene certificate
- Have a flexible approach to working
About Chartwells
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 expects 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.
Equality and Diversity
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!
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School Chef employer: Chartwells
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Chartwells' values and mission. This way, you can show how your passion for great food and customer service aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you get a chance, whip up some of your signature dishes and be ready to talk about them. Show off your creativity and how you can contribute to new menu ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your experience! Think about times you've led a team or improved food services. Share specific examples that highlight your leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Chartwells team and contributing to a positive work environment.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and great-tasting food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve delighted customers in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the School Chef role. Mention your relevant qualifications, like your City & Guilds or NVQ, and any supervisory experience you've had.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since we’re all about working together in a dynamic team, emphasise your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to a positive work environment in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you can bring creativity to the menu. Showing passion for food will definitely impress them!
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be part of a dynamic team, highlight your experience in working collaboratively. Share examples of how you've supported your colleagues in the kitchen and contributed to a positive work environment. They want to see that you can fit right in!
✨Be Ready for Menu Talk
Expect questions about menu changes and improvements. Think about how you would approach creating new dishes or responding to customer feedback. Having a few ideas up your sleeve will show that you're proactive and innovative.
✨Hygiene is Key
Make sure you’re familiar with food hygiene regulations and safety standards. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and ensure food safety. This shows that you take your responsibilities seriously and care about the well-being of others.
