Head Chef - Edinburgh Apply now

Head Chef - Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
Apply now
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dedicated catering team to create outstanding food in a busy environment.
  • Company: Chartwells Independents provides innovative catering services to Independent Schools across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, meals on duty, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team that supports education with exceptional food and service.
  • Qualifications: Must have excellent culinary skills, communication abilities, and experience managing a kitchen.
  • Other info: Be part of Compass Group, a leader in the industry with growth opportunities.

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:

  • Free use of gym
  • Free use of pool
  • Free on site parking
  • Free meals on duty
  • 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 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
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
  • Working 5 out of 7 days

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 part of a team that supports high quality education at this school by providing outstanding food and service to the pupils and staff.We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Head Chef to lead our dedicated catering team, who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this highly prestigious unit.

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-facetted 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

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.

Job Reference: com R/SU

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 - Edinburgh employer: Compass Group UK

At Chartwells Independents in Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values hard work and dedication. Our comprehensive benefits package, including free gym and pool access, wellness classes, and exclusive discounts, ensures our team members are well-supported both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on employee growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture where your culinary passion can truly shine.
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Contact Detail:

Compass Group UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the latest culinary trends and innovative cooking techniques. This will not only enhance your skills but also show us that you're passionate about food and ready to bring fresh ideas to our kitchen.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience in managing a team effectively. We value leaders who can inspire and motivate their staff, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your understanding of food safety and budget management. We want to see that you can maintain high standards while also being mindful of costs, so be ready to discuss your approach to these important aspects.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication skills. As a Head Chef, you'll need to interact with various stakeholders, from suppliers to school staff. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure clear and effective communication in a busy kitchen environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Edinburgh

Culinary Skills
Menu Planning
Food Safety Management
Budgeting and Cost Control
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Organizational Skills
Creativity in Food Presentation
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of HSE and COSHH Regulations
Numeracy and Financial Literacy
Passion for Food
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Staff Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills and experience relevant to the Head Chef position. Emphasize your leadership abilities, innovative cooking techniques, and any experience in managing kitchen operations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your management style. Mention specific examples of how you've driven sales or improved kitchen efficiency in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your experience in high-pressure environments and your ability to maintain food safety standards. Include any achievements that demonstrate your capability to enhance a company's reputation for quality.

Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Discuss your approach to team management and how you inspire and motivate your staff. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy kitchen setting.

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK

✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion

During the interview, express your enthusiasm for food and cooking. Share specific examples of innovative dishes you've created or unique culinary experiences that highlight your passion and creativity in the kitchen.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Discuss your experience managing staff, emphasizing your ability to inspire and maintain a calm environment. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team through busy service periods.

✨Understand Financial Drivers

Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of budgeting, food costing, and profit margins. Highlight any previous experience you have with managing kitchen costs and how you've implemented strategies to reduce waste and increase profitability.

✨Emphasize Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in a busy kitchen. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated with your team and other departments. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they contribute to a positive working environment.

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  • Head Chef - Edinburgh

    Edinburgh
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
    Apply now

    Application deadline: 2026-12-07

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    Compass Group UK

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