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- Tasks: Create delicious meals in a fast-paced kitchen and lead a passionate team.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland's top foodservice provider with a family-owned culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, staff discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Catering qualification and food safety certification required; experience in a kitchen is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values ambition, teamwork, and integrity.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ per year.
Attractive salary and great benefits. Full-time position at 42.5 hours per week, working within the hours of Monday to Sunday, 5:00am to 8:00pm, with a degree of flexibility required.
Who are we? Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Irelands leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We are 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: Our Glenwell store in Newtownabbey will be a hub of activity, offering convenience, value and excellent customer service to our local community and visitors. The store will have an impressive range of grocery, fresh and frozen produce and includes an amazing deli. The anticipated store relaunch will be in Spring 2026. We are excited to announce that our offering will include a Production Kitchen and we are now seeking a Chef.
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:
- Relevant Catering Qualification.
- Food Safety Qualification.
- Previous experience working in a catering and/or hospitality kitchen environment.
- 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, pension scheme, 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, 5:00am to 8:00pm, 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 Monday 12th January 2026. Communication on the progress of your application will be made via email and the career site, therefore please check regularly. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Chef in Newtownabbey employer: Henderson Group
Contact Detail:
Henderson Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Get your chef skills on display! If you can, whip up a signature dish and take some photos. Share them on social media or bring them to your interview. It shows your passion and gives the hiring team a taste of what you can do!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Chat with other chefs or foodies in your area. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the local food scene!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you apply through our website, follow up with a friendly email. Mention something specific about the role or the company that excites you. It shows initiative and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common chef scenarios. Think about how you’d handle busy shifts, manage your team, or ensure food safety. Being ready to discuss these will show you’re serious about the role and understand the kitchen dynamics.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and any creative dishes you've made. We want to see that flair and enthusiasm that makes you a great fit for our kitchen.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous kitchen experience, especially in catering or hospitality. Mention any supervisory roles or budget management you've handled. This helps us see how you can lead our team and maintain high standards in our busy kitchen.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you're considered for the role. Plus, you'll get updates on your application status directly from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the fresh quality ingredients that the company values. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you use these ingredients creatively. This shows your passion for cooking and aligns with their focus on high-quality meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chef, you'll need to motivate and supervise your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen or worked collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to allocate tasks efficiently and maintain high standards.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety and health regulations relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen practices. This demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Henderson Group's core values: Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork, and Integrity. Think of examples from your experience that reflect these values. Showing that you resonate with their culture can set you apart from other candidates.
