At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mobile catering team to deliver high-quality food experiences across schools.
- Company: HCL, a leading contract caterer focused on nutritious school meals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on food quality and customer service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's dining experiences while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef or Kitchen Manager with strong leadership abilities.
Location: Field-based across St Albans, Potters Bar Borehamwood with Head Office based at Mundells, Welwyn Garden City
Salary: £33,853 - £35,285 pro rata
Hours: 35 hours per week
Schedule: Term Time (inc. inset days), 39 working weeks per year
Reports to: Group Chef
HCL are leading contract caterers with a focus on school feeding. We have a commitment to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and engaging food experiences for children and staff across our primary schools, secondary schools, and commercial sites. We pride ourselves on our dynamic culture and our commitment to excellence.
The Deputy Group Chef plays a critical role in ensuring kitchens remain fully staffed, operational, and deliver high-quality food and service safely across multiple education sites. This position supports the Group Chef by managing the mobile workforce, supporting compliance with food safety and operational standards, and assisting with kitchen mobilisations and community engagement activities.
Key Responsibilities for Deputy Group Chef
- Workforce Planning Deployment: Assist with the deployment of a mobile catering team, to ensure kitchens remain fully staffed. Help plan rotas, coordinate cover, and work alongside with Group Chef to anticipate staffing needs.
- People Management: Work in partnership with the Group Chef to support and develop a mobile workforce, including line management responsibilities. Assist with training, performance, and absence management, ensuring HR compliance.
- Operational Support: Provide hands-on kitchen support when needed, maintain food quality standards, and monitor performance (food cost, labour, waste). Support site engagement activities and digital systems.
- Compliance Safety: Ensure high standards in Food Safety, Health Safety, and allergen management across all sites.
- Recruitment Retention: Assist with the recruitment and retention of mobile team members, contributing to wider site recruitment and engagement initiatives.
- Mobilisation Support: Assist with new site set-ups and transitions, including equipment, onboarding, and systems implementation.
About You as a Deputy Group Chef
- Experienced Chef or Kitchen Manager (multi-site/mobile preferred)
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Solid knowledge of food safety, H S, and allergens
- Organised, adaptable, and able to work across multiple locations
- Passionate about food quality and customer service
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
If you’re a proactive Deputy Group Chef who enjoys working alongside senior leadership, supporting teams, and upholding high standards while delivering great food and customer experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
Deputy Group Chef employer: HCL
HCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises high-quality food experiences for children and staff across various educational settings. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have opportunities for growth and training while working in a supportive environment that values teamwork and excellence. The field-based role allows for flexibility and engagement with diverse communities, making it a rewarding position for those passionate about culinary arts and service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Group Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at HCL. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a job offer before it even gets advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, organise a cooking demo or a tasting session. This is a great way to showcase your culinary talents and passion for food quality directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out to HCL directly through our website. Express your interest in the Deputy Group Chef role and share how you can contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality food experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety and operational standards. Be ready to discuss how you would manage a mobile workforce and ensure compliance across multiple sites. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Group Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Deputy Group Chef role. Highlight your leadership experience, food safety knowledge, and any multi-site management you've done. We want to see how you can bring your unique flavour to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food quality and customer service. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams or improved kitchen operations in the past. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Compliance Knowledge:Since compliance is key in this role, make sure to mention your understanding of food safety, health and safety regulations, and allergen management. We want to know how you keep kitchens running smoothly and safely across multiple sites.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at HCL
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially around food safety and allergen management. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained high standards in previous roles and share specific examples of how you've handled food quality and safety.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Group Chef, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare to talk about your experience managing teams, planning rotas, and how you've supported staff development. Think of situations where you've successfully motivated your team or resolved conflicts.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life kitchen scenarios. For instance, how would you handle a staffing shortage or a food safety issue? Practise your responses to these types of questions so you can showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Engage with Their Mission
HCL is all about delivering high-quality food experiences for children. Show your passion for this mission during the interview. Share your thoughts on nutritious meals for schools and how you can contribute to their commitment to excellence in catering.
