Head Chef / School Catering

Head Chef / School Catering

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Compass Group UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team in creating exciting, fresh, and nutritious meals for students.
  • Company: Join Chartwells Independents, the top catering provider for UK independent schools.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare perks, and exclusive travel discounts.
  • Other info: Great work-life balance and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through exceptional food and service.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a chef with a passion for food and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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:

  • Mostly Monday to Friday, some weekends for events
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
  • Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, and many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

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 know as a company that great food comes from great ingredients. Our Chefs use seasonal produce, adding their own individual creativity to let the food speak for itself.

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. 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-facetted environment that also offers a great work life balance.

We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Executive Chef to lead our dedicated catering team, who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this highly prestigious unit. This is a fantastic opportunity for an inspirational and enthusiastic Executive Head Chef to make a name for themselves within the contract catering industry. In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary.

Delivery of a range of food and catering services across a number of outlets in a complex, busy and multi-facetted environment. The Executive 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 Executive 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.

Demonstrates a passion for food. Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers. A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing, including control.

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. 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 / School Catering employer: Compass Group UK

Chartwells Independents is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance and employee growth. As the leading provider of catering services to Independent Schools in the UK, we provide our Head Chef with a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and unique opportunities for professional development, all while working in a dynamic environment that values creativity and teamwork.
Compass Group UK

Contact Detail:

Compass Group UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef / School Catering

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who work in schools or similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your moment to shine and let your passion for food and creativity speak for itself.

✨Tip Number 3

Be prepared for the interview! Research the company and come armed with ideas on how you can enhance their menu and service. Show them you're not just another chef; you're the chef they need!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Chartwells Independents.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef / School Catering

Culinary Skills
Menu Planning
Food Safety Management
Budgeting and Cost Control
Team Leadership
Creativity in Food Preparation
Communication Skills
Numeracy Skills
Computer Literacy
Understanding of Profit Margins
HSE Compliance
COSHH Knowledge
Customer Service Orientation
Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that enthusiasm for creating exciting and nutritious meals.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Executive Chef. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and manage a busy kitchen.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.

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

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in seasonal produce and how they can enhance your menus. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you creatively incorporate them into dishes. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of quality.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to talk about your experience leading a team in a busy kitchen environment. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team, handled challenges, and ensured high standards of food safety and service. This will demonstrate your capability as an Executive Chef.

✨Understand the Business Side

Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting, food costing, and profit margins. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed costs in previous roles and how you plan to drive sales through menu planning and promotions. This will highlight your business acumen.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food

Let your enthusiasm shine through during the interview. Talk about what inspires you in the kitchen and how you keep your menus exciting and nutritious. This will resonate well with the interviewers who are looking for someone who shares their passion for great food.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>