At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, high-quality meals and cater for school events.
- Company: Prestigious school near Winchester with a top-notch catering operation.
- Benefits: Great pay, free gym access, meal on duty, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career development opportunities and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on students' dining experience.
- Qualifications: Strong cooking skills and experience in a busy kitchen environment.
Our client is a prestigious school near Winchester, Hampshire, with an exceptional catering operation. With a dedicated team of professional staff across the catering operation serving pupils and staff, the school prides itself on producing fresh, nutritious, high-quality food every day. As well as the day-to-day catering, they also cater for a variety of events and functions. They are currently looking to recruit a skilled and passionate lead Chef to join the team on a permanent 52-week contract.
The Role:
We are seeking a skilled and confident Chef to join this dynamic catering team. You will play a key role in preparing daily meals for pupils and staff, producing everything fresh on site—hot dishes, salads, pastry items, cakes, desserts, and traybakes. You will also assist with hospitality and event catering. As the lead Chef, you will be expected to run a shift independently, catering for around 80 per day, ensuring high standards across all areas of the kitchen. The role also involves supporting school events such as functions, afternoon teas, receptions, and special occasions. You'll work closely with the Head Chef and another Chef on a rotating shift pattern.
Pay & Benefits:
- Good hourly rate
- Great work-life balance
- Free use of onsite gym
- Free uniform
- Free parking
- Meal provided on duty
- Pension scheme
- Training & development opportunities
- Discounts on shopping, cinema tickets, clothing, technology, utilities, family activities, and holidays
- Flexible working options
- Additional leave purchase
- Recognition and awards programmes
- Employee assistance programme
- Health & wellbeing support
- Health cash plan
- Life assurance
- ...and much more!
Hours:
Permanent - 52-week contract, 40 hours per week, Daytimes (latest finish is usually 7pm)
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare fresh, high-quality meals for pupils and staff
- Work confidently across all sections: pastry, sauce, larder, hot service etc.
- Produce a range of fresh bakery items including cakes, biscuits, traybakes, and desserts
- Lead and manage the kitchen independently during allocated shifts
- Deliver catering for school events including functions and receptions
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, and due diligence practices
- Ensure compliance with allergen procedures and HACCP requirements
- Support the Head Chef and contribute to ongoing kitchen standards
- Assist with prep, service, cleaning, and record-keeping
- No ordering responsibilities (handled by the Head Chef)
Skills & Experience Required:
- Strong high-level cooking ability with experience across all kitchen sections, including pastry
- Confident producing a high standard of fresh food at volume
- Ability to run a kitchen shift independently
- Experience working within an independent school environment ideally
- Experience catering for events and functions
- Solid knowledge of food hygiene, due diligence, and compliance standards
- Reliable, organised, and comfortable working in a busy, varied environment
If you are a talented chef with previous experience cooking to a high standard at volume, then this could be the perfect role for you.
Chef in Winchester employer: Fire Group
Join a prestigious school near Winchester, Hampshire, where you will be part of a dedicated catering team committed to providing fresh, high-quality meals for pupils and staff. Enjoy excellent benefits such as free gym access, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development, all within a supportive work culture that values your contributions and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its catering operation before your interview. Research their menu, values, and any special events they host. This will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your answers to fit their vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If possible, prepare a signature dish that highlights your abilities in pastry or hot service. This could really impress them during a practical assessment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other chefs or professionals in the industry. They might have insights about the school or even know someone on the hiring team. A good word from a fellow chef can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream chef position.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking skills and experience. Talk about the different sections you've worked in, especially pastry, and any events you've catered for. We want to see your passion for creating fresh, high-quality meals!
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through in your application! We love a confident chef who can run a kitchen independently. Share a bit about your cooking style and what makes you tick in the kitchen. Authenticity goes a long way!
Know the Role:Take a good look at the job description and tailor your application to match. Mention your experience with food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards. We’re looking for someone who understands the importance of these practices in a school environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fire Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh ingredients commonly used in school catering. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate seasonal produce into your menus, as this shows your passion for quality and nutrition.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your cooking skills during the interview. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your previous work or even a few photos of dishes you've created. This will help you stand out and show your practical experience.
✨Understand the Environment
Research the school’s ethos and catering operation. Be prepared to talk about how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality meals. Mention any experience you have in similar environments, especially in schools or event catering.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Leadership
As a lead Chef, you'll need to manage a team effectively. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen shift or collaborated with others. Emphasise your ability to maintain high standards while working under pressure.
