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 Skelton 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 Skelton
✨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, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any events you've catered. This visual evidence can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the institution’s dining style and clientele. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Skelton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your culinary achievements, leadership experience, and any relevant qualifications. Tailor it to showcase how you can lead our kitchen team at Durham.
Nail the Covering Letter:This is your chance to shine! Use your covering letter to tell us about your passion for food and service. Share specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification – we want to see your personality!
Be Authentic:We love genuine applicants! Don’t just list your skills; let us know what makes you tick as a chef. Share your culinary philosophy and how you inspire your team to deliver exceptional standards.
Apply Online:We prefer applications through our website, so make sure to submit everything there. Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder) for updates from us – we’ll keep you in the loop throughout the process!
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. Research the types of meals served and any dietary requirements that might be relevant. This will show your potential employer that you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in the past or handled high-pressure situations. Be ready to discuss your management style and how you motivate your team to deliver exceptional service.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your culinary skills and knowledge of food safety standards. Brush up on your understanding of kitchen hygiene, equipment maintenance, and food storage practices. Being able to articulate these points will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to quality.
✨Prepare Your Vision for the Role
Think about how you would approach the role and what changes or improvements you could bring to the kitchen. Be prepared to share your ideas on menu development, catering for high-profile events, and how you would ensure consistency in food quality and service. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
