At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create delicious in-flight meals and manage culinary operations.
- Company: Join Gate Gourmet, the world's largest independent airline catering provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, onsite parking, life insurance, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Monday to Friday shifts with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: 10 years as a chef and 3 years in management; culinary qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Gate Gourmet is the world's largest independent provider of catering services for airlines and are the core business behind gategroup, whose eleven associated brands offer customers a comprehensive scope of products and services for virtually any on-board need.
We provide more than 200 million meals a year to our 270-plus customers at some 120 airport locations around the globe.
As a Head Chef, you will work from our Manchester Unit, as an important member of the team and be responsible for the preparation and cooking of delicious in-flight meals as well as supporting with customer presentations as required.
Working to tight timelines, you will communicate effectively with the kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared to exact specifications and quantities and that the work area is kept safe and as clean as possible while maintaining high standards of quality, hygiene, and health and safety at all times.
You will actively support the cooking activities on all of our non-airline contracts as well.
Job Overview
Regular roster of Monday to Friday availability for 0700 - 1500 / 0800 - 1600.
Free onsite parking, complimentary meals and refreshments, free uniform, free life insurance, company sick pay, pension scheme.
What will life as a Chef look like for you
- Monday to Friday availability for 0700 - 1500 / 0800 - 1600
- Inhouse training and development
- Complimentary meals & beverages
- Free Uniform
- Company sick pay
- Free on-site parking
- Paid Holiday
- Pension scheme to help you save for your future
- Bespoke employee support programme, including free counselling sessions
- Refer a friend scheme with generous bonuses for each successful referral
- Access to a great discount platform, saving you money on everyday purchases and so much more
- Cycle to work scheme
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Working with customer schedules, planning production schedules to ensure catering provisions are ready on time for dispatch and delivery to customers
- Managing a team of chefs, supervisors, assembly staff
- Supporting culinary team with customer menu development
- Ensuring productivity, financial, operational and quality targets are met & exceeded
- Providing clear and effective leadership to unit culinary & meal assembly teams
- Foster a positive culture of effective team working and accountability in line with business values
- Ensure staff are trained and aware of their roles & responsibilities, and are equipped to carry out their tasks effectively & to a high standard
- Manage the department staff rosters, holiday planning and manpower planning
- Coordinating staff training and development
- Provding clear and effective communication to internal and external customers including performance reports and customer complaint information
- In conjunction with the food stores manager, lead the unit material improvement programme in order to beat AVT deviation targets
- Coordinate and lead regular culinary tasting & menu presentations both within the unit and with key customers alike
- In conjunction with the food stores manager iaise with central procurement & purchasing regarding product quality & product improvement initiatives
- Drive & lead good manufacturing standards both within the meal asdsembly & hot / cold kitchens
- Play a key role within the unit senior management team
- Ensure the production team are aware of their responsibilities in respect of, food safety health and safety and security in the workplace and have the minimum qualifications and training to work in a kitchen environment
- Enforcement & Implementation of the GG Food Safety Standard
- Undertake & support Customer Food Safety and Product Quality audits
- Undertake regular audits of all areas within the kitchen and storage areas to ensure complete adherence to agreed policies
- Ensure cleaning rosters are operational throughout the food production areas
- Ensure that all equipment is working safely and compliant with manufacturers guidelines for operation reporting any failures.
- To ensure effective channels of communication at all levels so every member of the team is aware of the customer requirements and objectives and the part they play in the successful delivery of these requirements.
- Investigate and respond as required to customer complaints
- To be an active member of the management team and support colleagues in the achievement of their KPI’s
- To attend team meetings as required and contribute to the development and growth of the business through the sharing of good practice and your own experiences.
- To attend all necessary training programmes to develop your own potential and enable your progress in the company
- To support the Company Executive Chef in the development of the food offering
Education
- One or more of the following qualifications
- City and Guilds Catering Qualification in Cookery
- Level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Professional Cookery
- Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering
- Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery
- Level 3 Diploma in Professional Patisserie and Confectionery
- Level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
- Work Experience
- A minimum of 10 years working as a qualified chef
- A minimum of 3 years catering management experience
- A minimum of managing a team of 6 or more persons
Skills & Knowledge
- Computer Literate
- Ability to write reports
- Demonstrated gategroup competencies to be successful in the position
Thinking
Information search and analysis and Problem resolution skills
Engaging
Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People
Inspiring
Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring and Communicating effectively
Achieving: Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus
Previous experience in a catering or hospitality role is desirable but not essential.
You must be able to work shifts and be keen to learn.
In addition to job - related training, you will develop your skills in team work, time management, multi-tasking, communication and attention to detail.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK, undertake a CRC (Criminal Record Check) and provide 5 years of checkable referencing history.
For anytime spent outside the uk exceeding 6 months, you must be able to provide a CRC (Criminal Record Check) for that country.
If you share our values of excellence, passion, respect and responsibility, don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our team.
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Head Chef in Trafford employer: gategroup
gategroup is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. As an Absence & Time Workday Administrator, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and the chance to develop your expertise in Workday, all while contributing to a dynamic HR Shared Service team. Located across the UK and Republic of Ireland, gategroup offers a vibrant work environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and fulfilling employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Trafford
✨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 gategroup. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to gategroup
Don't be shy about reaching out to gategroup 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 Head Chef in Trafford
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 gategroup 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 gategroup
✨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!
