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- 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.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for progression and recognition.
- 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 required.
- Other info: This role is part-time, contracted for 32.5 hours per week, with a focus on student welfare.
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 an idea of what your shift pattern will be:
- 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 43.6 weeks per year
Could you bring your passion and culinary skill to Chartwells? 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 Satefty 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.
Job Reference: com/1007/72613001/52749695/BU #State Schools
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' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality food and customer service will help you align your passion for cooking with their goals during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary creativity by preparing a unique dish that reflects your style. If you get the chance to discuss your ideas, this can demonstrate your ability to contribute to menu changes and new food concepts.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Chartwells if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when you're preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your experience in supervising a team and how you've handled customer feedback in the past. This role requires strong leadership and communication skills, so having specific examples ready will set you apart.
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 improved food services or created new menus, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
Highlight Food Hygiene Knowledge: Since a Food Hygiene certificate is required, make sure to mention this prominently in your application. Discuss your understanding of food handling and hygiene standards, as well as any relevant training you've completed.
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. This could involve discussing how you’ve motivated staff or managed kitchen operations effectively.
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 Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen team or resolved conflicts, highlighting your ability to motivate others.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Experience
Customer satisfaction is key in this role. Be ready to talk about how you've listened to customer feedback in the past and made changes to improve their dining experience. This shows you value their opinions.
✨Know the Company and Its Values
Research Chartwells and understand their commitment to quality food and service in the education sector. Mention how your values align with theirs, especially regarding safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
