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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in creating exciting, fresh, and nutritious meals.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in catering and support services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, travel discounts, wellness classes, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Innovative culinary skills, excellent communication, and team management abilities.
- Other info: Grow your career with our development programmes and enjoy a supportive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Monday to Friday Term time only (42 weeks per year)
- Free meals
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
What you’ll be doing:
Chartwells Independents is the leading provider of catering and support services to Independent Schools in the UK. We provide innovative catering, hospitality and food service by creating imaginative menus delivered with an exceptional service. We nurture and develop our teams to enrich their skills which allows them to show their passion and inspiration that as a company we are proud to encourage. You will be leading a team who share the same passion for preparing exciting fresh and nutritious food on a daily basis. This is a complex, busy and multi-faceted environment that also offers a great work life balance. In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary.
More about the role:
- Delivery of a range of food and catering services across a number of outlets in a complex, busy and multi-faceted environment
- The Head Chef will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food ensuring that the company’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times
- Taking responsibility for the food production with a hands-on approach
- Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning and promotions and preferred suppliers
- Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HSE and COSHH
- The Head Chef will also be required to implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets.
Who you are:
- Excellent and Innovative culinary and presentation skills
- Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills
- Energetic with a passion to do a great job
- Able to manage staff in a calm, inspirational manner
- A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage
- Demonstrates a passion for food
- Team Player
- Excellent organisation skills
- Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
- A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing, including control
Please note: This role is contracted to 42 weeks per year.
About Us: As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK’s biggest businesses. 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!
Head Chef - London employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and innovative menu ideas. This will not only impress potential employers but also give them a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and menu offerings. Tailor your answers to reflect how your culinary passion aligns with their mission. Remember, they want to see your enthusiasm for creating exceptional food!
✨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. Let’s get you into that Head Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create exciting and nutritious dishes. We want to see that spark!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Highlight your relevant experience and skills without fluff. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Head Chef role. Mention specific experiences that align with our values and the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and menus that Chartwells Independents offers. Think about how you can bring your own innovative ideas to the table and be ready to discuss how you would enhance their culinary offerings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've inspired and managed teams in the past, especially in busy environments, and highlight your calm approach to problem-solving.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety, HSE, and COSHH regulations before your interview. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in previous roles and how you plan to maintain them in this new position.
✨Discuss Budget Management Confidently
Since managing costs is a key part of the role, come ready to talk about your experience with budgeting and food costing. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully controlled kitchen costs while maintaining quality, and be ready to suggest ways you could do this at Chartwells.
