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 Warden 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 Warden
✨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 ideas to the table that show you’re ready to elevate their food game.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we keep you updated throughout the process, so you won’t be left in the dark.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef - Durham in Warden
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 a large kitchen team and deliver exceptional food and service.
Nail the Covering Letter:This is your chance to shine! Use your covering letter to tell us about your passion for cooking and how your experience aligns with our needs. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a busy kitchen and cater for high-profile events.
Show Your Flexibility:We love a team player! In your application, mention your willingness to adapt and take on various tasks across different catering areas. This shows us you're ready to jump in wherever needed, which is key in a dynamic kitchen environment.
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 during the process. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Senior Head Chef, you’ll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and be ready to discuss your approach to menu planning, especially for high-profile events. Bring examples of your previous work or ideas for new dishes that could impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You’ll be supervising a large kitchen team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you’ve developed teams in the past, handled conflicts, or improved kitchen efficiency. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others to maintain high standards.
✨Flexibility is Key
The role requires a flexible approach to working across various catering areas. Be prepared to discuss how you adapt to changing circumstances in a busy kitchen environment. Share experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or shifts without compromising on quality.
✨Attention to Detail Matters
With responsibilities like checking deliveries and maintaining kitchen cleanliness, attention to detail is essential. During the interview, mention specific instances where your meticulous nature led to improved operations or enhanced food safety standards. This will show you take pride in every aspect of your role.
