At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school catering team, creating delicious meals and managing service.
- Company: Join Harrison Catering Services, a top independent catering company in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, term-time hours, and a focus on fresh food.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, enjoy a balanced lifestyle, and grow your career.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives with your culinary skills and passion for food.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent, plus management experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Harrison Catering Services is one of the UK's leading independent catering companies, serving high-quality, freshly cooked food to thousands of people in schools and workplaces every day. We are looking for a Head Chef to support one of our school catering teams.
The position will be responsible for:
- Providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
- Managing the team
- Maintaining stock control
- Planning menus
The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven craft and management skills
- A real passion for fresh food
- Previous client liaison experience
- Ideally qualified to NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
You will be rewarded with a competitive salary for working 37.5 hours per week, term-time only.
Locations
Head Chef - Monday to Friday Term Time Only in Braintree, Essex employer: Harrison Catering
Harrison Catering Services is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values creativity and passion for fresh food. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development while maintaining a healthy work-life balance with term-time hours. Join us in Braintree, Essex, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of students through high-quality catering services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Monday to Friday Term Time Only in Braintree, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs and industry contacts on social media or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your chance to shine and prove that you're the perfect fit for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Familiarise yourself with Harrison Catering Services and their menu offerings. This will help you tailor your approach and show them that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and what we’re looking for in a Head Chef.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Monday to Friday Term Time Only in Braintree, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for fresh ingredients and cooking. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and creativity in the kitchen.
Highlight Your Management Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your management experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past and any challenges you've overcome.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role. Mention your NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent qualifications clearly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important information about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Catering
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to impress with your culinary knowledge. Research the types of dishes you might be expected to prepare and think about how you can incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you would adapt them for a school setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before. Talk about how you motivate your team, handle conflicts, and ensure everyone is working efficiently together. Highlight any previous experience in client liaison as well.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Fresh Food
Harrison Catering Services values high-quality, freshly cooked food. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for sourcing local ingredients and creating nutritious meals for students. Share any initiatives you've taken in the past to promote healthy eating in schools or workplaces.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their catering philosophy, menu planning process, and how they support their chefs. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.