At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team to create delicious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join Durham University, a place where your culinary skills can shine.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, rewards package, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working across all catering areas with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by serving high-profile clientele and shaping dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Senior Head Chef will be responsible for supervising a large kitchen team which produces three meals per day for up to 600 students and staff. The post holder will be responsible for catering for high profile clientele, private dining external functions and banqueting. The Head Chef must be able to develop existing teams to ensure that consistently exceptional standard of food and service is delivered. The post holder will also assist with day to day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, checking and signing for deliveries.
Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift. The post holder will be required to work flexibly across all catering areas.
In addition to a highly competitive salary and rewards package, our strategic focus includes ongoing development opportunities for our people. Join us today and shape your career at Durham University!
Submitting your application:
- A CV
- A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, the Systems and Administration Team would be happy to speak to you.
Senior Head Chef - Durham in Bowburn employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and teamwork in the kitchen. With a focus on professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring a rewarding career path. Located in a historic city, the role of Senior Head Chef not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to cater for high-profile events, making it a unique and fulfilling position.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Bowburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world, attend local food events, or join online chef communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any special events you've catered. A visual representation of your talent can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the institution's dining services. Understand their menu styles and any recent changes they've made. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Bowburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your culinary achievements, leadership experience, and any relevant qualifications. Tailor it to showcase how you can lead a large kitchen team and deliver exceptional food and service.
Nail the Covering Letter:This is your chance to shine! Use your covering letter to tell us about your passion for cooking and how your experience aligns with our needs. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a busy kitchen and cater for high-profile events.
Showcase Your Flexibility:We love a team player! In your application, mention your willingness to adapt and take on various tasks across all catering areas. This shows us you're ready to jump in wherever needed, which is key in a dynamic kitchen environment.
Apply Online:Remember, we prefer applications through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder) for updates from our e-recruitment system – we’ll keep you in the loop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Senior Head Chef, you’ll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing for students and staff. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you can cater to diverse dietary needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You’ll be supervising a large kitchen team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past, resolved conflicts, or trained new staff. Highlight your approach to fostering a positive kitchen environment.
✨Discuss Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires a flexible approach to working across various catering areas. Be prepared to share experiences where you’ve had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances in the kitchen. This could include handling unexpected challenges during busy service times.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Quality
Delivering exceptional food and service is key. Talk about your standards for quality and how you ensure these are met consistently. You might want to mention any systems you’ve implemented for checking food quality or training staff on best practices.
