Executive Chef in Ipswich

Executive Chef in Ipswich

Ipswich Full-Time 17.77 - 17.77 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate catering team to create delicious, nutritious meals for students.
  • Company: Join Elior, a people-first business dedicated to enriching lives through great food.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, paid volunteering days, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team where your voice is valued and supported.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young minds by serving healthy food in schools.
  • Qualifications: Experience in school catering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for nutritious food.

The predicted salary is between 17.77 - 17.77 £ per hour.

Taylor Shaw – Great Food, Bright Futures

At Copleston High School, part of Taylor Shaw, we believe healthy food fuels young minds, and we’re passionate about serving delicious, nutritious meals in schools and colleges across the UK.

Every meal is fresh, sustainable, and packed with goodness – because we know young people deserve the best.

Elior is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues.

Candidates that are shortlisted for this role, will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List, and two suitable references.

How you’ll make an impact

  • Leading, inspiring and developing your catering team to deliver exceptional food and service every day
  • Creating fresh, nutritious and exciting menus that encourage more pupils to choose school meals
  • Driving meal uptake, retail sales and commercial performance through innovation and engagement
  • Building strong relationships with Headteacher, Business Manager and school leaders, becoming a trusted partner within the school
  • Leading the successful mobilisation and embedding of new ways of working
  • Managing food costs, labour and budgets to deliver financial performance without compromising quality
  • Ensuring the highest standards of food safety, health & safety, safeguarding and compliance
  • Delivering an outstanding customer experience for pupils, staff and visitors
  • Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and bringing new ideas that help the service grow
  • Working Pattern: Monday - Friday | 40 Hours Per Week | Term Time Only

The ingredients you’ll bring

  • Previous experience leading a busy school or education catering operation
  • Experience of managing large-volume food production
  • A proven track record of increasing meal uptake, customer satisfaction or sales
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop others
  • Excellent communication skills and confidence building relationships with school leaders, parents and pupils
  • Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, food costs and labour
  • A genuine passion for creating healthy, nutritious food that children enjoy
  • Food Safety Level 3 (or willingness to achieve)

Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!

At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows.

That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success!

Here’s what’s waiting for you

  • Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
  • Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
  • Plenty of Time to Unwind - Flexibility around family life with holidays that match the school calendar.
  • Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
  • Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
  • Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
  • Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
  • Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
  • Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
  • Why You’ll Love Working Here

We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces.

Our mission?

To enrich lives everywhere, every day.

And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.

We Celebrate You!

At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are.

We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!

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Executive Chef in Ipswich employer: ELIOR GROUP

Caterplus is an exceptional employer that prioritises community and connection, offering a warm and welcoming environment for both employees and the over-55 community we serve. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported in their roles. Join us at Malpas Court to not only create delicious meals but also to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

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Contact Details:

ELIOR GROUP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in Ipswich

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 ELIOR GROUP. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to ELIOR GROUP

Don't be shy about reaching out to ELIOR 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 Executive Chef in Ipswich

Leadership Skills
Menu Creation
Food Safety Management
Budget Management
Customer Service Excellence
Communication Skills
Team Development

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 ELIOR 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 ELIOR 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!