At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop catering teams, plan exciting events, and ensure top-notch food quality.
- Company: Join Miquill, a passionate school catering business with a family feel.
- Benefits: Enjoy Monday to Friday hours, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working approach and commitment to health and safety are essential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while growing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen supervision and a passion for great food and service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The happiness of our employees is of utmost importance to us; our friendly environment will make you feel supported and part of a family.
This role is:
- Monday to Friday working - no more weekends!
- 40 hours per week
- 39 weeks per year
You will also benefit from:
- Working for a fast-growing company who would like you to grow with them
- A dedicated L&D team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone.
We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.
As Development Chef, you will lead, support, and develop catering managers/chefs to deliver a high-quality catering experience aligned with company standards and financial targets across multiple sites. You will plan, organise and oversee events like cookery workshops, nutritional awareness, parents' evenings, and cultural celebrations to enhance brand visibility and customer experience.
Main Responsibilities
- Event Management: Plan and coordinate cookery workshops, parents' evenings, and nutritional awareness events. Handle stock ordering, preparation, and setup. Collaborate with school staff for successful sessions.
- Staff Development: Train, coach, and support new and existing Chef Managers. Provide site visit reports, assist with menu planning, and support team calls and forums.
- Operational Support: Assist with WOW days, mobilisations, supporting the production of new menus including special diet menus, meeting with parents, and school coverage during absences.
- Food Quality & Service: Adapt menus to school needs, ensuring high-quality food and presentation considering cost and nutritional standards. Oversee kitchen management, ordering, and hospitality standards.
- Team Management: Lead, motivate, and train the catering team, fostering a quality-driven and customer-focused environment.
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to food safety, hygiene, allergen, and health and safety policies.
- Financial Performance: Complete all entries on the company workbook system and achieve sales targets and gross profit margins while controlling labour and sundries costs.
- Customer Satisfaction: Provide a polite, friendly and personal service, striving for nil customer complaints and achieving total customer satisfaction.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for somebody who shares our passion for serving great-tasting food and providing excellent service, maintaining the highest standards at all times, along with the following:
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Ability to work under pressure and use own initiative
- Good financial knowledge
- Gross profit and budget understanding
- Experience supervising a team within a kitchen
- Experience working in a customer-focused environment
Education & Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- Intermediate Food Hygiene
- Health & Safety at Work
- Food Craft Qualification & Experience
Other Essential Requirements:
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Clear Enhanced DBS
- Clean and tidy appearance
- Flexible working approach to duties and hours
- Attend training courses as and when required
- Commitment to health and safety
About The Company
Miquill is a specialist school catering business born out of passion for great-tasting food since 2009. We’re not just serving lunch; we’re all about providing fresh, delicious and exciting food that brings a healthy dose of fun to the school day! We're a small, independent, Midlands-based company with a genuine family feel. Building strong relationships is key—that means you are important to us! Your well-being, development, and growth opportunities matter. We focus on rewarding our teams and recognising hard work to make sure you feel happy and valued every day.
Area Development Chef employer: Grow and Thrive Limited
Grow and Thrive Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment in Tenbury Wells where you can enjoy a great work-life balance with no late nights or weekends. As a Catering Assistant, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills in a team-oriented atmosphere while contributing to the well-being of students through exceptional food service. We prioritise employee growth and provide a fulfilling career path in the catering industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Development Chef
✨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 Grow and Thrive Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Grow and Thrive Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Grow and Thrive Limited 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 Area Development Chef
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 Grow and Thrive Limited 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 Grow and Thrive Limited
✨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!
