At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create delicious meals for students every day.
- Company: Join a vibrant education catering operation in Woking, Surrey.
- Benefits: Earn £40,000 plus up to 10% bonus, with term time only hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and engaging environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership abilities required.
A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Chef Manager looking for their next challenge in education catering. This role involves taking responsibility for a large, busy education catering operation in Woking, catering for around 1,570 students across primary, secondary and sixth form. This is a high-volume operation producing approximately 500 main meals and 1,100 Grab & Go items each day across multiple food offers and service points.
This role needs someone who can combine great food, strong leadership and commercial awareness. You’ll lead the catering team, take ownership of the day-to-day operation and continue to develop an engaging food offer that students genuinely want to eat.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading, motivating and developing the catering team
- Managing a busy, high-volume food operation
- Overseeing food production across multiple service points
- Developing menus and keeping the food offer fresh and engaging
- Managing ordering, stock, labour and budgets
- Maintaining excellent food safety, allergen and H&S standards
- Building strong relationships with the client and key stakeholders
- Driving participation and identifying opportunities to develop the service
What I’m looking for:
You could currently be working as a Chef Manager, Catering Manager, Head Chef, Executive Chef or Chef Catering Manager within education, contract catering or another high-volume environment. You’ll need to be a confident leader who is comfortable managing a sizeable operation while still being passionate about food and happy to lead from the front. Previous education catering experience would be a real advantage, although candidates from other high-volume contract catering environments will also be considered.
Chef Manager in Woking employer: ETAB-Recruits
Join a dynamic and innovative corporate dining environment in Surrey, where your culinary expertise will shine as you lead a busy kitchen serving up to 300 customers daily. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and professional growth, offering competitive salaries and opportunities to develop your skills in a high-quality setting. With a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavours, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also the chance to make a significant impact on our food offerings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Woking
✨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 Woking
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!
