At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality Oriental dishes in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Company: Join dnata Catering UK at Heathrow, a vibrant and successful team.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym discounts, and a supportive apprenticeship programme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and teamwork in a lively setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and showcase your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Oriental cooking and strong food safety knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 25740 - 31460 £ per year.
dnata Catering UK are actively seeking an Oriental Chef to join our already successful and vibrant team at Heathrow airport. As an Oriental Chef you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our catering and goods arrive with our airline customers on time in line with various scheduling requirements.
About the role
The Oriental Speciality Chef is responsible for managing a designated kitchen station within the flight catering operation. This role involves preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality Oriental/Eastern dishes according to standardised recipes and client specifications. The Oriental Speciality Chef ensures that all food production within their section meets stringent hygiene, safety, and airline quality standards. This is a fast-paced kitchen environment with physical requirements that may include prolonged standing and use of kitchen equipment, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook menu items following approved recipes, specifications and portion control guidelines to maintain consistency and quality.
- Manage and oversee all activities within the assigned kitchen station, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
- Maintain exceptional standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety by adhering to airline and company policies, including HACCP procedures.
- Prepare mise en place with precision, ensuring all components are ready for timely production and dispatch.
- Monitor stock levels for the station, report shortages, assist with stock rotation, and ensure all ingredients meet quality expectations.
- Ensure accurate batch labeling and packaging in compliance with airline catering regulations.
- Collaborate closely with the Sous Chef and other kitchen staff to maintain overall kitchen cleanliness, organization, and workflow efficiency.
- Train and support junior staff such as Demi Chef de Partie and Commis Chefs within the station.
- Participate actively in safety audits, updating records and compliance documentation as necessary.
Please note your duties will include but are not limited to the above.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
What we're looking for:
- Oriental / Eastern cooking experience.
- Professional culinary training or equivalent relevant experience in a large-scale catering, food production, hospitality, or airline catering environment.
- Experience working in a specific kitchen section, such as grill, sauté, pastry, or a similar area, within a busy production environment.
- Strong knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP and airline hygiene regulations.
- Excellent organisational and leadership abilities to manage a station and junior team members.
- Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
Benefits
- Free breakfast, lunch and dinner on site, including refreshments.
- Free on-site parking.
- £60 towards both dental and optical cover through our Simply Health Cash Plan.
- £150 if you Refer a Friend.
- Discounted gym membership at over 2000 gyms nationwide.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Opportunity to enhance your learning through our inhouse apprenticeship programme.
- Pension scheme and life cover.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which offers counselling and advice on a wide variety of issues, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Oriental Chef in London employer: dnata
Dnata is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety, compliance, and customer service are paramount. With benefits like free meals on-site, discounted gym memberships, and opportunities for professional growth through in-house apprenticeship programmes, employees are supported both personally and professionally. Located at major UK airports, Dnata fosters a collaborative culture that values teamwork and encourages staff to thrive in a fast-paced aviation setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Oriental Chef in London
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to dnata
Don't be shy about reaching out to dnata 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 Oriental Chef in London
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 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
✨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!
