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 Stainton employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As a Senior Head Chef, you will not only lead a dynamic kitchen team but also enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a prestigious academic environment. Join us to create memorable dining experiences for our diverse community while advancing your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Stainton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world, attend local food events, or join online chef communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any special events you've catered. A visual representation of your talent can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the institution's dining style and menu. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially when it comes to managing large teams and high-profile events.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on your emails for updates – they might end up in your spam folder, so check there too!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Stainton
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 drives you as a chef. Share your culinary philosophy and how you plan to elevate our dining experience for students and staff alike.
Apply Online:Remember, we prefer applications through our website. It’s quick and easy! Plus, keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder) for updates from us about your application status. We’re excited to hear from you!
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 large team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Be ready to discuss how you motivate staff and maintain high standards of food and service.
✨Flexibility is Key
Highlight your ability to adapt to different roles within the kitchen. Discuss times when you’ve taken on various tasks beyond your usual responsibilities. This will demonstrate your willingness to support the team and ensure smooth operations, which is crucial for catering to a large number of students and staff.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. Brush up on your knowledge of best practices in these areas. You might even want to prepare a few ideas for menus or special events to impress your interviewers with your creativity and foresight.
