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 Hexham employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration within its catering team. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to delivering outstanding service to a diverse clientele, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages growth and innovation. Located in the historic city of Durham, staff enjoy a unique blend of academic excellence and community spirit, making it a rewarding place to advance your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Hexham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even alumni from your culinary school. A friendly chat can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary creations. This not only highlights your talent but also gets your name out there in the foodie community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire. A well-timed email or call can make all the difference and show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Hexham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your culinary experience, especially in managing teams and catering for large events. Tailor it to show how your skills align with the role of Senior Head Chef.
Nail the Covering Letter:This is your chance to shine! Use your covering letter to tell us about your passion for food and leadership. Share specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.
Be Authentic:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Show us why you’re not just a great chef, but also a great fit for our team.
Apply Online:Remember, we prefer applications through our website. It’s quick and easy! Plus, you’ll receive updates about your application via email, so keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder)!
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 and be ready to discuss your approach to menu planning, especially for high-profile events. Bring examples of your previous work that highlight your creativity and ability to cater for large groups.
✨Showcase 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, focusing on how you’ve developed staff and maintained high standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to training and motivating your team.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires a flexible approach to working across various catering areas. Be prepared to discuss times when you’ve had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances in the kitchen. Highlight your ability to handle multiple tasks and your willingness to step in wherever needed.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their kitchen operations, team dynamics, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
