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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and lead a dynamic kitchen team in a school environment.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in educational catering with a focus on health and nutrition.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through exceptional food experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and relevant culinary qualifications required.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a positive, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
We're currently recruiting an ambitious Head Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a part time basis, contracted to 8 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.
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 feel 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 mind set
- 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 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.
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 Head Chef in Croydon employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Head Chef in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get your culinary skills shining! When you’re networking or chatting with potential employers, don’t just talk about your experience—show off your passion for food. Share stories of your best dishes or how you’ve improved kitchen processes. This will help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of a good reference! Reach out to former colleagues or supervisors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. A glowing recommendation can make all the difference when you’re trying to land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Instead of waiting for job postings, reach out directly to schools or catering companies like Chartwells. Express your interest in working with them and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and could lead to a great position!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Don’t miss out on your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace School Head Chef in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary experiences and what excites you about creating delicious meals. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Head Chef role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to create a positive kitchen environment and deliver exceptional food.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and qualifications. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Chartwells!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Culinary Craft
Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience in creating high-quality dishes. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've delighted customers with your food, as this will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to create a positive kitchen environment. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or improved team morale. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a supportive atmosphere.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budgeting and stock control, as these are key responsibilities. Be ready to discuss how you've managed costs in previous roles and any strategies you've implemented to reduce food waste while maintaining quality.
✨Emphasise Safety and Hygiene
Since compliance with Food Handling & Hygiene standards is crucial, be prepared to talk about your experience with health and safety regulations. Share any relevant certifications you hold and how you've ensured a safe working environment in past positions.
