At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in creating exciting, fresh, and nutritious meals daily.
- Company: Chartwells Independents is the UK's top provider of catering for independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, pension schemes, healthcare access, and exclusive travel discounts.
- Why this job: Make a name for yourself in contract catering while supporting quality education.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with a passion for food and strong financial understanding.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values your unique talents and promotes career growth.
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 meals
- 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, Booking
- 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 Head 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 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 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. 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!
Foodservice Director employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Foodservice Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food service and catering. Being knowledgeable about innovative menu ideas and seasonal ingredients can set you apart during discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a busy kitchen environment. We value candidates who can inspire and motivate their teams to deliver exceptional service.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your understanding of food safety regulations and budgeting. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented cost control measures and maintained high standards in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Network within the industry and connect with current or former employees of Chartwells Independents. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information to highlight during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Foodservice Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food service and management. Emphasise your leadership skills, culinary expertise, and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to enhance food quality and service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and service. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, such as managing a kitchen team or implementing successful menu changes.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are crucial for the role, such as budgeting, food safety compliance, and creativity in menu planning. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Your Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for the food service industry and your commitment to providing high-quality meals. Share any personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect your dedication to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Foodservice Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for food and cooking. Share personal stories about your culinary journey and how you incorporate creativity into your dishes. This will resonate well with the interviewers who value passion in their team.
✨Understand Financial Drivers
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of budgeting, food costing, and profit margins. Bring examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed costs while maintaining quality. This shows that you can balance creativity with financial responsibility.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a dedicated catering team, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate your team to deliver exceptional service and food quality.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research Chartwells Independents and understand their values, mission, and the type of food service they provide. Tailor your responses to align with their commitment to quality and innovation in catering, which will show your genuine interest in the role.