At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a fast-paced kitchen, preparing high-quality meals and managing your team.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland’s top foodservice provider with a family-owned culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the kitchen while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Food Safety Qualification and experience in catering or hospitality required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Attractive salary and great benefits. Full-time position at 42.5 hours per week, working within Monday to Sunday, 6:00am to 6:00pm, with a degree of flexibility required.
Who are we? Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,050 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We're an Investors in People accredited, family-owned group, and our culture is lived out through our four core values- Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity.
A look into the role: Working within a fast-paced kitchen environment, the Chef will apply methodical organisational skills, energy and attention to detail to lead our production of centrally developed recipes and menus ensuring food safety and high-quality meals at high volume. You will understand the requirements of working in a professional kitchen environment and have a flair and enthusiasm for cooking with fresh quality ingredients.
As Chef you will:
- Prepare consistently high-quality fresh food.
- Allocate tasks to your team to ensure the smooth and efficient organisation and running of the kitchen.
- Use high specification kitchen tools and equipment correctly to produce consistently high quality dishes.
- Operate within all regulations, legislation and procedural requirements, with regards to food safety, health & safety, and trading standards.
- Maintain quality and consistency in food production by using resources in line with organisations’ financial constraints, style, specifications and ethos.
- Effectively communicate with other key contacts to ensure effective working on shift, effective handovers etc.
- Supervise and motivate employees to achieve their maximum potential.
- Manage the commerciality of production lines and identify market trends & commercial opportunities.
- Lead by example at all times, ensuring that high standards and safe working practices are adhered to.
Skills for Success: Joining us as Chef, the minimum criteria you’ll need is:
- Food Safety Qualification.
- Previous experience working in a catering and/or hospitality kitchen environment.
- Commercial Awareness, and ability to deliver on Key Performance Indicators such as sales, costs and profitability.
- You must be aged 18 years or over (for store legislative requirements).
The attributes you’ll need include:
- A flair and enthusiasm for cooking with fresh quality ingredients.
- Strong focus on people with an ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Ability to deliver at pace, while ensuring the highest quality of food.
If it is desirable if you had:
- Experience working in a Fresh Food Production Kitchen.
- Previous Supervisory Experience.
- Previous Experience working to budgets and/or targets.
Are we right for you? As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by:
- Ambition – We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
- Customer First – We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
- Teamwork – We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
- Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward: The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success. Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people. Benefits include market competitive salary, employee assistance programme, social club, discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.
Working Hours: Full-time position at 42.5 hours per week, working within Monday to Sunday, 6:00am to 6:00pm, with a degree of flexibility required. Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to discuss working hours and shift pattern in further detail at Interview.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 28th June 2026.
Chef - Garvagh employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises ambition, teamwork, and integrity. As a Chef at our EUROSPAR Garvagh location, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within a family-owned business that values its employees. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while working with fresh quality ingredients in a supportive and dynamic kitchen environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Garvagh
✨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 Henderson Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Henderson Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Henderson Group 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 Chef - Garvagh
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 Henderson Group 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 Henderson Group
✨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!
