At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team to create delicious, nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join the renowned Nelson & Colne College, a beacon of educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, health benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through exceptional food service and creativity.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, NVQ Level 2 in Catering, and strong cooking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £24,187.64 per annum (£27,604.26 full time equivalent), depending on experience
Hours: 35 per week
Working Weeks: 42 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Site: Nelson & Colne College
Closing Date: Midnight – Tuesday 15 September 2026
Interview Date: Friday 25 September 2026
Our Organisation
This role is advertised by ELLG Professional Services. Part of East Lancashire Learning Group, ELLG Professional Services provides expert business support services to the wider Group. Part of East Lancashire Learning Group, Nelson and Colne College has a national reputation for educational success and is seen within the Further Education sector as a beacon of excellence for teaching and learning. We offer an outstanding range of A Levels, vocational courses, Apprenticeships and Higher Education provision and generations of families have benefited from an exceptional education at Nelson and Colne College.
The Exciting Role
As a key member of the Catering Team, you will play a vital role in delivering an outstanding food service experience for learners, staff and visitors. Working closely with the Catering Manager and Refectory Team Leader, you’ll play a pivotal role in preparing and serving high-quality, nutritious food, developing exciting and contemporary menus, and bringing fresh ideas inspired by current food trends. As a Supervisor, you’ll support and motivate the Catering Team, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly, efficiently and safely while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation and hygiene. The role will be based at our Nelson & Colne College campus however, travel across sites may be required.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Work alongside the Catering Manager to help improve and grow the college Refectory offer for our learners and staff.
- Oversee daily food preparation, ensuring high standards of taste, presentation, and nutritional value.
- Prepare and cook high-quality food, while developing and refreshing menu ideas that reflect current food trends, to enhance the learner experience while catering for any dietary requirements.
- Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently during service, with strong teamwork and communication.
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen in the absence of the Catering Manager.
- Assist with the organisation and delivery of college events and hospitality.
- Lead and assist the Catering Team with the preparation, cooking and service arrangements within the Refectory.
What We Are Looking For:
- Minimum of 4 GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) including grade C/4 in Maths and English and a basic food hygiene certificate.
- NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) Catering qualification.
- Strong preparation and cooking skills within a fast-paced catering environment.
- Experience of managing stock control, including monitoring levels, ordering supplies and ensuring adequate stock availability.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Comprehensive understanding of COSHH and food hygiene requirements.
- Competent IT skills.
- Suitability to work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.
What We Offer in Return:
- Access to a workplace pension scheme – with generous employer contributions.
- Generous annual leave allowance including a two-week closure over the Christmas period.
- Enhanced occupational sick pay scheme and access to family friendly policies and benefits.
- A range of health and wellbeing benefits and support.
- Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards.
- Free on-site parking on all College sites.
Please visit our ‘working for us’ section of our website for a full list of our benefits.
Further Questions? Please contact our friendly HR Team.
*Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website.*
All of our posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults and children. Should you wish to discuss this further, please get in touch with the HR team.
College Chef Supervisor in Nelson employer: East Lancashire Learning Group
Nelson and Colne College, part of the East Lancashire Learning Group, is an exceptional employer that prioritises educational excellence and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to staff development, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and a supportive work culture, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact on learners' lives. Located in a vibrant community, our college offers a collaborative environment where passionate professionals can thrive and contribute to the success of our diverse student body.
Contact Details:
East Lancashire Learning Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land College Chef Supervisor in Nelson
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like East Lancashire Learning Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to East Lancashire Learning Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to East Lancashire Learning Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace College Chef Supervisor in Nelson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about East Lancashire Learning Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lancashire Learning Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
