At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and lead a supportive kitchen team.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in catering for the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression, a positive work culture, and recognition for your hard work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' health while working in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant chef qualifications and experience in a similar role.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check due to working with children.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
We\βre currently recruiting an ambitious Head Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a full time basis, contracted to 35 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. Could you bring your spark to Chartwells? Here\βs what you need to know before applying for a Head Chef position with Compass Group UK&I. Here\βs an idea of what your shift pattern will be: Mon: Full-time (Days) Tues: Full-time (Days) Weds: Full-time (Days) Thurs: Full-time (Days) Fri: Full-time (Days) Sat: Sun: Please note: This role is contracted to 44.6 weeks per year 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 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\βs 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. Job Reference: com/0306/(phone number removed)/(phone number removed)/BU #State Schools 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 β because diversity is our strength
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land School Head Chef
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chartwells' food concepts and values. Understanding their approach to nutrition and culinary excellence will help you align your vision with theirs during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've created a positive kitchen environment in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you support and motivate your team.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and stock control. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully met financial targets or reduced food waste.
β¨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for food by sharing your culinary inspirations and any innovative dishes you've created. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to delivering exceptional food experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace School Head Chef
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Head Chef. Focus on your culinary skills, leadership abilities, and any specific achievements in previous roles that align with the responsibilities outlined by Chartwells.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your commitment to creating exceptional culinary experiences. Mention how your values align with those of Chartwells and provide examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen environment in the past.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent. If you have additional certifications related to food safety or management, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Emphasise your ability to lead and motivate a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff, improved service quality, and maintained hygiene standards in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
β¨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your love for food and cooking. Share specific examples of dishes youβve created or culinary experiences that have shaped your passion. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to delivering exceptional food experiences.
β¨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, creating a positive kitchen environment is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you foster teamwork. Share anecdotes about how you've supported your team in previous roles, as this aligns with the company's values.
β¨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Given the importance of food handling and hygiene standards, be ready to talk about your experience with these regulations. Mention any relevant certifications you hold and how you ensure compliance in the kitchen, which will show your commitment to safety.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or manage a crisis in the kitchen. This will help illustrate your capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.