At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join a vibrant education catering operation in Sunbury-on-Thames.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 42-week contract, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey
Salary: £38,000
Hours: 45 hours per week
Contract: 42 weeks per year
Sector: Education Catering
We are recruiting an experienced Chef Manager to lead a large and busy education catering operation in Sunbury-on-Thames, with approximately 1,700 students on site. This is a substantial operation with three separate service areas, delivering approximately 900 main meals per day, alongside a busy grab-and-go offer serving around 300 students. Offering a 42-week contract, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Chef Manager looking for a large-scale operation combined with the benefits of working within the education sector.
The Team
You will lead a team consisting of:
- 1 Chef
- 1 Supervisor
- 7 General Assistants
As Chef Manager, you will be hands-on within the kitchen while taking overall responsibility for the management and performance of the catering operation.
The Role
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and motivating the catering team
- Overseeing three food service areas
- Delivering approximately 900 main meals per day
- Managing a busy grab-and-go service serving around 300 students
- Producing high-quality, fresh and appealing food
- Menu planning and development
- Managing food costs, stock and wastage
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and H&S standards
- Training and developing the catering team
- Building strong relationships with the client and wider site
- Driving participation and continually developing the food offer
About You
We are looking for an experienced Chef Manager, Catering Manager or Senior Chef who is confident managing a high-volume catering operation. You will ideally have experience within education, contract catering or another high-volume fresh-food environment and be comfortable balancing a hands-on kitchen role with team and operational management. You will be a strong people manager, commercially aware and passionate about delivering great food and a consistently high standard of service. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a large-scale education catering operation while benefiting from a 42-week working year. Apply today with your CV for further information.
Chef Manager in Sunbury-on-Thames employer: ETAB-Recruits
Join a well-established hotel in Windsor as a Sous Chef, where you'll thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment that values high-quality food and teamwork. With a competitive salary of £36,400, you will benefit from career development opportunities, a supportive kitchen team, and enjoy staff meals while on duty, all within a vibrant hotel setting that prioritises excellence and employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Sunbury-on-Thames
✨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 ETAB-Recruits. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ETAB-Recruits
Don't be shy about reaching out to ETAB-Recruits 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 Chef Manager in Sunbury-on-Thames
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 ETAB-Recruits 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 ETAB-Recruits
✨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!
