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- Tasks: Enhance kitchen efficiency and develop innovative menus for hospital catering.
- Company: Join Elior, a multi-award-winning contract caterer with a diverse workforce.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £43,000 salary, flexible working, free lunches, and 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient recovery while working in a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience managing food teams, strong problem-solving skills, and culinary knowledge required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and mentoring chefs in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 48000 £ per year.
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Operational optimisation & Development Chef, Leeds
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference: 6ce2169aab2e
Job Views: 27
Posted: 12.08.2025
Expiry Date: 26.09.2025
Job Description:
General information
Ref: 2024-66255 | Division: Elior Support Services | Contract: Permanent | Salary: £43,000 | Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours
Join our team as an Operational optimisation & Development Chef in Leeds. This role supports our hospitals division, focusing on kitchen efficiency, menu development, and process optimisation. You will drive sales growth, support concept launches, and work closely with operational teams.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing standard operating procedures for hospital kitchens
- Enhancing profitability through menu engineering
- Implementing concept launches and menu changes
- Supporting kitchen and skills training
- Innovating with equipment and operational efficiency
- Building strong relationships with senior teams
Candidate profile:
- Experience managing food teams across multiple sites
- Innovative, entrepreneurial mindset
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Understanding of the culinary landscape and operational realities
- Experience influencing stakeholders and delivering presentations
Benefits include:
- Salary of £43,000, company car, and 15% KPI bonus
- Free on-site lunches
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- 33 days holiday plus holiday purchase options
- Family, charity, and wellbeing benefits
We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Interested? Click the ‘Apply for this role’ button at the top of this advert.
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Operational optimisation & Development Chef employer: Elior
Contact Detail:
Elior Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational optimisation & Development Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in culinary innovation and kitchen optimisation. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the healthcare catering sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented standard operating procedures or driven sales growth in previous roles. Real-life scenarios will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Elior's current offerings and any recent news about their operations. Being knowledgeable about the company will allow you to tailor your conversation and show genuine interest during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational optimisation & Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen management and operational optimisation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to enhance efficiency and drive profitability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for culinary innovation and detail how your visionary mindset aligns with the role. Mention any experience you have with menu engineering and team training.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Highlight your strong problem-solving skills and how they contributed to successful outcomes in kitchen operations.
Research Elior Support Services: Familiarise yourself with Elior's values and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elior
✨Showcase Your Culinary Vision
As an Operational Optimisation & Development Chef, it's crucial to demonstrate your visionary mindset. Prepare to discuss innovative ideas you've implemented in previous roles and how they challenged the status quo. This will show your potential employer that you can drive change and enhance kitchen efficiency.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
Make sure to emphasise your experience managing food teams across multiple sites. Share specific examples of how you've mentored chefs or led teams to success. This will help illustrate your ability to influence and inspire others, which is key for this role.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving and diagnostic skills. Think of past challenges you've encountered in kitchen operations and how you resolved them. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your capability to handle similar situations in the future.
✨Stay Updated on Culinary Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market trends, especially regarding equipment innovations and menu engineering. Being knowledgeable about what's happening in the culinary landscape will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and passionate about your field.
