At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, high-quality meals for students.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a top provider of catering services in the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, recognition, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' health while working in a vibrant kitchen culture.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and experience as a Head Chef.
- Other info: This role requires a commitment to safeguarding children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re currently recruiting an ambitious Head Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a full-time basis, contracted to 43.6 hours per week.
As a Head Chef, you will be responsible for creating an outstanding culinary experience. In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.
Could you bring your spark to Chartwells? Here’s what you need to know before applying for a Head Chef position with Compass Group UK&I.
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 44 weeks per year.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Identifying opportunities to improve our food service
- Creating a positive kitchen environment where your team feels welcomed and supported
- Delivering our tasty food concepts to our customers
- Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
- Ordering food, looking after stock control and controlling food waste
- Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
- Managing budgets and successfully meeting financial targets
- Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
- Complying with Health & Safety regulations
Our ideal Head Chef will:
- Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
- Create a positive work environment where the whole team can thrive
- Be a brilliant communicator and easily build relationships
- Have experience in a similar Head Chef role
- Strive for excellence in an enthusiastic and motivated manner
- Take initiative and make decisions that are right for our customers
- Have a desire to succeed in your role
- Possess the ability to work under pressure
- Demonstrate exceptional timekeeping and reliability
- Have a safety-first mindset
- Be passionate about food
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.
Job Reference: com/2801/85919001/52705202/R/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!#J-18808-Ljbffr
School Head Chef employer: Chartwells
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your culinary creativity! When you network or during interviews, share specific examples of unique dishes you've created or innovative food concepts you've implemented. This will demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to enhance the dining experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Emphasize your leadership skills. As a Head Chef, you'll need to create a positive kitchen environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed teams in the past, resolved conflicts, and fostered collaboration among staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with Chartwells' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to nutrition and education will help you align your answers during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with food safety and hygiene standards. Given the importance of these regulations in a school setting, be ready to provide examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace School Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Chef position. Familiarize yourself with Chartwells' mission and values to align your application with their goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in similar Head Chef roles. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to create exceptional food experiences and manage a kitchen effectively.
Showcase Your Passion for Food: Express your passion for food and cooking in your application. Share any unique culinary skills or creative ideas you have that could enhance the dining experience at Chartwells.
Prepare for Pre-Employment Checks: Be ready to provide information for pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. Ensure you declare any previous convictions as required by the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for food and cooking. Share specific examples of dishes you love to create and how you ensure they meet high-quality standards. This will demonstrate your passion and commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, creating a positive kitchen environment is crucial. Discuss your experience in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and supporting team members. Provide examples of how you've built strong relationships within your kitchen to enhance productivity and morale.
✨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure to emphasize your understanding of food handling, hygiene standards, and health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain these standards in your kitchen and any relevant certifications you hold, such as City & Guilds or NVQ.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Talk about your experience managing budgets and controlling food waste. Share specific strategies you've implemented to meet financial targets while still delivering delicious meals. This will show that you can balance culinary creativity with business acumen.