At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create fresh, from-scratch meals for boarding students.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team at Compass Group UK&I.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, healthcare perks, and exclusive discounts on travel and groceries.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives through your culinary passion and leadership.
- Qualifications: Culinary experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for food excellence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Lead a kitchen team of one Sous Chef and five Catering Assistants, delivering fresh, from-scratch meals to approximately 60 boarding students.
- Manage the boarding house menu, food production planning, purchasing and stock control within budgetary constraints.
- Contribute to menu development and implement new policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Ensure cleanliness and general housekeeping of all kitchen areas, maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.
- Provide timely reports on progress to senior management and communicate effectively with the senior management team.
- Minimise waste and maintain budgetary targets through effective stock management.
- Lead the kitchen team, focusing on development, progression and performance reviews, setting objectives for team members.
- Train and develop kitchen staff, ensuring a succession plan is in place.
- Liaise with the House Master and Matron, attending food committee meetings and acting upon feedback.
- Maintain health and safety standards, including adherence to food safety regulations and checks.
- Ensure compliance with company policies regarding uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Shift Schedule
Working five days per week (weekends and evenings) with shifts alternating between 07:00–15:00 and 11:30–19:30. Two days each week require full meal service; split or full-day shifts (07:00–14:00 or 05:30–19:30) may be required. Typical days off are Friday & Saturday or Sunday & Monday, with every third weekend free. During term time, a larger catering team joins and no split shifts are required; a term‑time only contract is available if preferred.
Qualifications
- Excellent culinary skills with experience in a similar role.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, able to engage and motivate others.
- Business management experience within a kitchen environment.
- Passion for food and delivering excellence.
- NVQ Level 2 in professional cookery or equivalent (desirable).
- Intermediate food hygiene/Level 2 certification (desirable).
Benefits
- Free meals during duty periods.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.
- Digital GP access for you and your immediate family, plus broader healthcare benefits.
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and others.
- Grocery discounts at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and other supermarkets.
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets.
- Cash rewards for everyday spending across a range of brands.
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
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 team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength.
Head Kitchen Manager – Boarding Dining & Team Development in Kilsby employer: Compass Group PLC
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and fosters personal growth. As the Head Kitchen Manager, you will lead a dedicated team in a supportive environment, with access to career development programmes, health benefits, and exclusive discounts, all while contributing to the well-being of our boarding students through fresh, nutritious meals. Join us in a role that not only enhances your culinary skills but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Kitchen Manager – Boarding Dining & Team Development in Kilsby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through LinkedIn or local events. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your culinary creations and management successes. A visual representation of your work can really make you stand out when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want to see how you can fit into their culture and contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership and culinary expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Kitchen Manager – Boarding Dining & Team Development in Kilsby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:Make sure to highlight your culinary experience and any relevant qualifications in your application. We want to see your passion for food and how you've delivered excellence in previous roles!
Leadership is Key:Since this role involves leading a kitchen team, emphasise your leadership skills and experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group PLC
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing for the boarding students. Think about how you can incorporate fresh, from-scratch ingredients and what seasonal options could enhance the menu. This will show your passion for food and your ability to contribute to menu development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Kitchen Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed kitchen staff in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to performance reviews and setting objectives, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire a team.
✨Understand Budget Management
Since managing the budget is key in this role, brush up on your experience with stock control and minimising waste. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've used in previous roles to stay within budget while still delivering high-quality meals. This will highlight your business management skills.
✨Health and Safety Knowledge is Key
Make sure you're up to speed with health and safety standards, especially regarding food safety regulations. You might be asked about how you've ensured compliance in past roles, so think of concrete examples. This will show that you take these responsibilities seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe kitchen environment.
