At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of chefs to create innovative dishes for airline customers.
- Company: dnata is a global leader in air and travel services, enhancing travel experiences worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for career development and creativity.
- Other info: This role involves customer interaction and requires strong presentation skills.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact on in-flight dining experiences across the globe.
- Qualifications: Professional culinary qualifications and experience in product development are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers, offering ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents. At dnata, we are by your side for the entire travel experience. dnata Catering and Retail is one of the world’s leading in-flight hospitality providers, delivering world-class culinary services and innovative products that enhance our passengers’ experience.
We are currently seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our busy catering unit in Hounslow. This role will be responsible for interfacing with Airline customers, central support functions, chefs, Culinary department and EHO & Audit and manage a team of 16 Chefs. One of the other key areas of focus is the utilisation of the people processes to ensure recruitment, training, career development, communication and performance of the team achieves the overall objectives. Part of this role is to also provide expert food preparation knowledge for the benefit of the unit and customers.
Responsibilities
- Work with customer and sales/commercial team to fully understand your customer’s requirements
- Develop dishes and products that match customer brief, commercial constraints and development strategy
- Constantly look to innovate and be creative in your development ideas across a wide range of cuisines
- Prepare and lead customer menu presentations with assistance of the development team to meet presentation deadlines
- Explain kitchen/production concepts in ‘layman’ terms to customers and chefs
- Lead in-house presentations to Chefs on new products and new methods of production including the development of plating guides.
- Work with commercial team on menu specifications post-presentation to ensure accuracy and consistency of data
- Linking with the production kitchen for specialist cuisine input e.g. Japanese
- Assist with transitioning presentation dishes into mainstream production
- Review and constantly improve recipes and production methodology
- Input innovative and create ideas to the development strategy
- Support with in-house hospitality for client entertaining
- Champion global food trends in the business
- Work on various projects as directed e.g. new concepts
- Ensure all costs are contained within agreed financial guidelines and maintain and monitor working practices, systems, and processes to meet schedules.
- Investigating, analysing, suggesting, and implementing corrective actions to resolve problems.
- Organising staff and equipment within specified cost targets to meet forecast.
- Preparing for and implementing changes in menus and specifications.
- Overseeing effective yield test programmes as directed by the Manager.
- Ensuring that all recipes are communicated effectively with the relevant departments
- Ensure your team comply with all Legislation, Company Policy And Customer requirements
- Dealing with both minor incidents and RIDDOR accidents under agreed procedures.
- Playing an Active Part of the HACCP Team for the Unit.
- Meet the service and quality expectations of your customer and maintaining customer and company standard levels.
- In liaison with the Food Supply Manager ensure the quality of the raw product is to specification and that suppliers are fully aware of requirements
This list is not exhaustive, accountabilities may vary dependant on locality or role complexity and may include any other duties considered reasonable by the line Manager.
What do we need from you?
- Professional culinary qualifications e.g. 706/1, 706/2 & 706/3 or diploma/degree level
- Previous product development experience in a manufacturing environment or similar is essential
- Must have experience of working in various types of culinary outlets including fine dining and international
- Experience with product presentation
- Outstanding understanding of food values and food quality with an understanding of chemical/molecular balances in foods
- This is a customer facing role, so you will need to be good at building rapport and creating long-term business relationships
- You will need to be confident in presenting to a group and taking the lead role
If you believe your skills and experience align with what we're looking for, we encourage you to apply — we’d love to hear from you!
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- Food and Beverage Services and Airlines and Aviation
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Head Chef in Hounslow employer: dnata Catering UK
At dnata, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the catering industry, offering a dynamic work environment in Hounslow where creativity and innovation thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and career development opportunities, ensuring that our team of chefs not only excel in their culinary skills but also enjoy a fulfilling career path. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values excellence and fosters strong relationships with both colleagues and clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Hounslow
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like dnata Catering UK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to dnata Catering UK
Don't be shy about reaching out to dnata Catering UK directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about dnata Catering UK and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at dnata Catering UK
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
