Senior Head Chef - Durham in Kirkby

Senior Head Chef - Durham in Kirkby

Kirkby Full-Time 30000 - 40000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Durham University

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 Kirkby 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, this role not only provides a competitive salary but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the dining experience of students and staff alike.

Durham University

Contact Detail:

Durham University Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Kirkby

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs or industry contacts on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings 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 talents. This hands-on approach can really impress potential employers.

Tip Number 3

Be flexible and open-minded! The role requires adaptability, so highlight your willingness to take on various tasks in the kitchen during interviews. It shows you're a team player ready for anything.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we keep you updated throughout the process, so you won’t be left in the dark.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Kirkby

Team Supervision
Catering Management
High-Volume Meal Preparation
Private Dining Experience
Banqueting Skills
Food Safety Standards
Kitchen Cleaning Procedures

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Stellar CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your culinary experience, leadership skills, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage a large kitchen team.

Nail the Covering Letter:This is your chance to shine! Use your covering letter to tell us how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification. Share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills and passion for cooking.

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) for any news from us.

How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University

Know Your Menu Inside Out

As a Senior Head Chef, you'll need to impress with your culinary knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and any dietary requirements that may come into play. Be ready to discuss how you would cater for high-profile clientele and manage large-scale meal production.

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 developed teams in the past, handled conflicts, or improved kitchen efficiency. This will show that you're not just a great cook but also a great leader.

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 willingness to take on different tasks and how you manage stress in a busy environment.

Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their kitchen operations, team dynamics, or future plans for the catering service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.