At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create nutritious meals for children and ensure excellent service.
- Company: City Catering Southampton, a charity dedicated to providing quality meals for kids.
- Benefits: Earn £14.14 per hour with on-site parking and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for food and customer service.
The predicted salary is between 14.14 - 14.14 £ per hour.
Do you have a passion for food, leadership, and making a real difference to children every day? At City Catering Southampton, we are passionate about providing high-quality, nutritious meals to children across Southampton and beyond. As a charity, we believe every child deserves the very best lunchtime experience - and we're looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and organised Head of Kitchen to lead one of our school catering teams. This is a rewarding term-time role that combines hands-on cooking, team leadership, and the opportunity to make a positive impact within local schools and communities.
Location: Our Lady St Joseph
Hours: 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Working Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term-time only)
Pay: £14.14 per hour
What You'll Be Doing
- Planning, preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals to a consistently high standard
- Leading, motivating, and developing your kitchen team to deliver an excellent service
- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the kitchen
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, allergens, special diets, and health & safety procedures
- Managing stock control, ordering, and minimising food waste
- Building positive relationships with school staff, pupils, and parents
- Supporting special events, theme days, and promotional activities
- Training, supporting, and developing Assistant Cooks and Catering Assistants
- Maintaining accurate kitchen records and completing required administration
- Creating a welcoming and positive dining experience for children
What We're Looking For
- Experienced in managing or leading a kitchen, ideally within a school or catering environment
- Passionate about food quality and customer service
- A confident leader who can motivate and support a team
- Organised and able to work well under pressure
- Knowledgeable about food safety, allergens, and kitchen hygiene procedures
- Friendly, approachable, and professional
- Reliable, proactive, and solution-focused
- Flexible and willing to support other locations when required
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience is essential, and a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate would be an advantage.
At City Catering Southampton, we are proud of our positive culture, high standards, and commitment to equality, safeguarding, and employee wellbeing.
This role is subject to eligibility to work in the UK and an Enhanced DBS check due to working within school environments. The cost of the DBS check will be covered by the Charity.
We are actively seeking to increase diversity within our organisation and warmly welcome applications from people of all genders, sexual orientations, people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and those with lived experience of food poverty.
If you're passionate about making a difference and want to lead a team that delivers great food with care, we'd love to hear from you - apply today!
Benefits: On-site parking
Head of Kitchen at Our Lady St Joseph - Fixed Term Contract in Southampton employer: City Catering Southampton
At City Catering Southampton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a positive work environment. As a charity focused on providing nutritious meals to children, we offer meaningful employment that not only allows you to lead a passionate kitchen team but also make a significant impact in the local community. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, diversity, and professional development, this role at Our Lady St Joseph provides a unique opportunity to grow while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Kitchen at Our Lady St Joseph - Fixed Term Contract in Southampton
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Kitchen at Our Lady St Joseph - Fixed Term Contract in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at City Catering Southampton
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at City Catering Southampton. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
