Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious food while overseeing menu changes and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Chartwells, the UK's leading education catering provider, dedicated to nourishing students for success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a part-time role with opportunities for progression and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values individuality and makes a positive impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, relevant culinary qualifications, and experience in a similar role are essential.
- Other info: This role is contracted for 43 weeks per year, perfect for students seeking flexible work.
We're currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a part time basis contracted to 32.5 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.
Here's what you need to know before applying:
- Your key responsibilities will include:
- 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
Our ideal Chef will:
- 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
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!
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
Familiarise yourself with Chartwells' menu and food philosophy. Understanding their approach to nutrition and customer satisfaction will help you align your culinary skills with their expectations during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for food by preparing a signature dish that reflects your culinary style. This can be a great conversation starter in interviews and demonstrates your creativity and commitment to quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Chartwells. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and what it takes to succeed as a Chef within their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you handle feedback and adapt to changes in menu or service. Highlighting your flexibility and willingness to improve will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary experience, especially in a school or similar environment. Emphasise your qualifications like City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent, and any supervisory roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific experiences where you’ve created exceptional food experiences or improved food services, as this aligns with the role's responsibilities.
Highlight Food Hygiene Knowledge: Since the role requires compliance with Food Handling and Hygiene regulations, make sure to mention your Food Hygiene certificate and any relevant training or experience in maintaining hygiene standards in the kitchen.
Showcase Team Leadership Skills: If you have experience supervising a team, be sure to include examples of how you’ve successfully led a kitchen team or managed menu changes. This will demonstrate your ability to fulfil one of the key responsibilities of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and creating delicious meals. Share specific examples of dishes you love to prepare and how you ensure they meet high standards of quality.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Highlight your experience in providing exceptional customer service. Discuss how you handle feedback and adapt your menu or service based on customer preferences, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Menu Ideas
Come to the interview with a few creative menu ideas or concepts that could enhance the dining experience. This shows initiative and your ability to think outside the box, which is important for the Chef position.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food handling, hygiene, and health and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you maintain these standards in the kitchen, as compliance is a key responsibility of the role.
