At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare fresh meals for boarding students.
- Company: Join Compass, a leader in the catering industry with 6,000 venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, wellness classes, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible term-time contracts available; enjoy weekends off every third week.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that values creativity and culinary excellence.
- Qualifications: Culinary experience and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ 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 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, 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, weekends and evenings.
Role Overview: As Kitchen Manager, you would lead a small team consisting of 1 Sous Chef (Assistant Kitchen Manager) and 5 Catering Assistants. Together, your team would provide freshly prepared meals for approximately 60 boarding students, including breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks. We pride ourselves on fresh, from-scratch cooking.
You will be responsible for the overall management of the boarding house menu, food production planning, food purchasing, and stock controls. You will contribute to menu development, ensure the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the kitchen, and implement new policies and procedures as required.
Shift Pattern Overview: 5 days over 7, with shifts alternating between 7:00 AM–3:00 PM and 11:30 AM–7:30 PM. Two days each week will require you to provide all meal services (breakfast, lunch, and supper) when the Sous Chef is off. A split shift - 7-2/5:30-7:30 or full day 7am-7:30pm would be required. Overtime will be paid in money or in lieu. Typical days off will be Friday and Saturday or Sunday and Monday, with every third weekend off.
Outside of Term Time: The School is contracted to private lettings and international student programs (e.g., Easter and summer schools), you'll join a larger catering team. No split shifts are required during these periods. However, we can accommodate a term time only contract for you should you prefer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage house menu, food production planning, and purchasing within budgetary constraints.
- Oversee cleanliness and general housekeeping of all kitchen areas, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Implement new policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Provide up-to-date reports on progress to senior management.
- Communicate effectively with the senior management team and support their leadership.
- Manage stock effectively to minimise waste and maintain budgetary targets.
- Take leadership of the kitchen team, focusing on development and progression.
- Conduct performance reviews and set objectives for team members.
- Ensure operational excellence through effective communication and performance management.
- Train and develop kitchen staff, ensuring a succession plan is in place.
- Liaise with the House Master and Matron, attending food committee meetings and acting upon feedback.
- Maintain health and safety standards, including adherence to food safety regulations and checks.
- Ensure compliance with company policies regarding uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Person Specification:
- Excellent culinary skills with experience in a similar role.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, able to engage and motivate others.
- Business management experience within a kitchen environment.
- Passionate about food and delivering excellence.
- NVQ Level 2 in professional cookery or equivalent (desirable).
- Intermediate food hygiene/Level 2 certification (desirable).
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.
Kitchen Manager - Rugby School employer: Compass Group
Join our dynamic team at Longmoor Camp, where we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As a Chef, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant environment dedicated to serving our Service Personnel with excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager - Rugby School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary style and menu preferences of Rugby School. Understanding their focus on fresh, from-scratch cooking will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in kitchen management. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led a team, managed stock, and implemented new policies in previous roles, as these are key responsibilities for the Kitchen Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively liaised with senior management and other departments in past jobs. This will be crucial since the role involves regular interaction with the House Master and Matron.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the health and safety standards relevant to kitchen operations. Being knowledgeable about food safety regulations will not only prepare you for the role but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager - Rugby School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary experience and leadership skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed a kitchen or team, and include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellence in food preparation and service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for food and cooking. Mention why you are interested in the Kitchen Manager position at Rugby School specifically, and how your values align with their commitment to fresh, from-scratch cooking.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Discuss your approach to training and developing staff, as well as how you handle performance reviews and set objectives for team members.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge:Since health and safety standards are crucial in this role, mention any relevant certifications you hold, such as food hygiene qualifications. Discuss your experience in maintaining compliance with food safety regulations and how you ensure a clean and safe kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your culinary experience in detail. Highlight specific dishes you've created and any innovative techniques you've implemented. This is your chance to demonstrate your passion for food and how it aligns with the school's commitment to fresh, from-scratch cooking.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
As a Kitchen Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, focusing on your leadership style, how you motivate others, and any training or development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Understand Budget Management
Familiarise yourself with budgetary constraints and stock management. Be ready to discuss how you've previously managed food purchasing and minimised waste while maintaining quality. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the financial aspects of the role effectively.
✨Prepare for Health and Safety Questions
Given the importance of health and safety standards in a kitchen environment, be prepared to answer questions about food safety regulations and your experience ensuring compliance. Discuss any relevant certifications you hold, such as food hygiene qualifications, to reinforce your expertise.
