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 Hutton Magna 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 commitment to employee growth, the university provides ongoing development opportunities and a highly competitive salary package, making it an ideal place for culinary professionals to thrive while serving a diverse clientele in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Hutton Magna
✨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 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 Hutton Magna
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 you meet the specific requirements of the Senior Head Chef role.
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've delivered exceptional standards in previous roles.
Show Your Flexibility:We love a team player! In your application, mention your ability to adapt and take on various tasks in a busy kitchen environment. This shows us you're ready to jump in wherever needed, which is key for this role.
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!
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 or ideas for new dishes that could impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You’ll be supervising a large kitchen team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you’ve developed teams in the past, handled conflicts, or improved kitchen efficiency. This will show that you can lead by example and foster a positive working environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about day-to-day kitchen operations, including cleaning protocols and inventory management. Brush up on best practices for food safety and hygiene, as well as how you manage deliveries and storage. Being knowledgeable in these areas will highlight your readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
The job requires a flexible approach, so be prepared to discuss how you handle changing circumstances in a busy kitchen. Share experiences where you’ve successfully adapted to unexpected challenges or shifts in priorities, showing that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
