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 Peterlee 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 Peterlee
✨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 talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨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 in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate chefs who are ready to take their career to the next level with us at Durham University.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Peterlee
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 status via email. Just keep an eye on your spam folder to catch any important messages!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the kitchen operations and the specific needs of a large team. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards, menu planning, and how to manage a busy kitchen environment. This will show that you’re not just a great chef but also a strong leader.
✨Showcase Your Team Development Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully developed and motivated kitchen teams in the past. Share specific examples of training initiatives or mentoring experiences that led to improved performance. This is crucial for a role that involves supervising a large team.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since the role requires a flexible approach, be ready to talk about times when you’ve adapted to changing circumstances in the kitchen. Whether it’s adjusting menus for special events or stepping into different roles, demonstrating your versatility will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for High-Pressure Scenarios
Expect questions about how you handle stress and high-pressure situations, especially when catering for large groups or high-profile clients. Think of specific instances where you’ve maintained quality and service under pressure, and be ready to share those stories.
