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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create delicious, innovative menus for students and staff.
- Company: St Helen and St Katharine, a prestigious school with a focus on excellent food and well-being.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, pension scheme, free lunches, and access to sports facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life through exceptional food and catering services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
St Helen and St Katharine has an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced, skilled, hands-on Executive Chef to lead our kitchen and continue the provision of excellent food at the School.
Detail
We are seeking to appoint an experienced, skilled, hands-on Executive Chef to lead our kitchen and to manage all catering on site during the school term. This is an extraordinary opportunity for the right individual to join and lead a well-established and successful team and further develop catering provisions within School.
The Executive Chef is a pivotal role within the School. The excellence of the food at St Helen’s has long been an important driver of student recruitment as well as pastoral and physical well-being. We are now looking for an individual who wants to take this provision even further.
This role is full-time, term-time plus 4 weeks and we are looking for the successful candidate to start work from November 2025.
Main responsibilities
The Executive Chef is required to successfully manage the delivery of the highest possible standards of food and service to students, staff and visitors within pre-agreed budgetary targets. They will be responsible for the continuous development of the catering service through menu innovation, staff motivation and training as well as being actively involved in the food preparation.
What we offer
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Staff may join a group personal pension scheme
- Diverse training and professional development programme
- Employee Assistance Programme – offering free and confidential advice
- Free use of the Sports Centre facilities including a fitness suite, ergo suite and group cycle studio
- Free school lunch, plus refreshments available in the staff room during the day and after school
- On-site parking
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free eye tests and annual flu vaccination
- Access to well-stocked school library
- Access to wide range of school events
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Executive Chef employer: Girl's Schools Association
Contact Detail:
Girl's Schools Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world, attend food events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an Executive Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menu innovations. A visual representation of your culinary prowess can really make you stand out when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or organisations you admire and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, the best opportunities are created rather than found.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a dedicated section for job openings, and applying directly can give you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at St Helen and St Katharine!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create exceptional dishes. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in catering and kitchen management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements. We’re looking for someone who can lead our team, so show us how you've done it before!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so don’t be afraid to use bullet points if it helps!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Girl's Schools Association
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As an Executive Chef, you'll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the current menu and think about how you can innovate it. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would elevate them to meet the school's standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and trained staff in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to create a positive kitchen environment.
✨Understand the School's Values
Research St Helen and St Katharine’s ethos and values. Be ready to explain how your vision for the kitchen aligns with their commitment to student well-being and excellence in food service. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the school's mission.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's catering goals, team dynamics, and any upcoming events. This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
