At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team to create delicious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join the catering team at Durham University, known for its commitment to excellence.
- 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 delivering exceptional food and service in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for high-quality food.
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 Shildon 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 academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Shildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have insights into the role at Durham. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is a great way to showcase your culinary expertise and how well you work with a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the university’s catering style and think about how you can contribute to their mission. Bring examples of your past successes in managing kitchen teams and delivering exceptional service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow our preferred process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Shildon
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, so keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder)!
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 high-pressure situations. This will show that you’re not just a great chef but also a strong leader.
✨Showcase Your Team Development Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've successfully developed kitchen teams in the past. Prepare examples of how you’ve mentored staff or improved team dynamics. This is crucial for the role, so highlight your ability to inspire and elevate those around you.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires a flexible approach, think of instances where you’ve adapted to changing circumstances in the kitchen. Whether it’s adjusting menus for dietary needs or stepping into different roles, share these experiences to demonstrate your versatility.
✨Prepare for High-Profile Scenarios
Expect questions about handling high-profile clientele and external functions. Think of specific events you’ve catered for and how you ensured exceptional service. This will help you convey your capability to maintain high standards under pressure.
