At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team, creating 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: Proven experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for food excellence.
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!
What you are required to submit:
- 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 Whitton employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and teamwork in the kitchen. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide ongoing development opportunities and a highly competitive salary package, making it an ideal place for culinary professionals to thrive while serving a diverse clientele. Join us in Durham, where you can make a meaningful impact on the dining experience of our students and staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef - Durham in Whitton
✨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 and its dining services. Be ready to discuss how you can elevate their culinary offerings and lead the team effectively. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals.
✨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 Whitton
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 catering.
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. Just keep an eye on your spam folder to catch any important messages!
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 for students and staff. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you can cater to diverse dietary needs.
✨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 successfully managed teams in the past, resolved conflicts, or improved kitchen efficiency. Highlight your approach to training and developing team members.
✨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. This could include handling unexpected events or adjusting menus based on available ingredients.
✨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.
