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 Rowlands Gill employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration within a dynamic kitchen environment. As a Senior Head Chef, you will not only lead a talented team in delivering outstanding culinary experiences for a diverse clientele but also benefit from a competitive salary and ongoing professional growth opportunities in a prestigious institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Rowlands Gill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs or industry contacts on social media platforms. 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 small cooking demo or pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and shows your passion for the culinary arts.
✨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 in landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements and connect with industry professionals. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters looking for top talent.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Rowlands Gill
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 showcase how your skills align with 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 meet the criteria in the Person Specification – we want to see your personality!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and fluff; instead, focus on what makes you the perfect fit for our kitchen team. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Online:We prefer applications through our website, so make sure to submit yours there. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get updates on your application status via email. Don’t forget to check your spam folder just in case!
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.
