At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mobile catering team to deliver high-quality food across multiple education sites.
- Company: Join HCL, a leading contract caterer focused on nutritious school meals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Cheshunt, Enfield, and North East London.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through exceptional food experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef or Kitchen Manager with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36857 - 38122 £ per year.
Location: Field-based across Cheshunt, Enfield, North East London (Head Office: Mundells, Welwyn Garden City)
Salary Range: £36,857 - £38,122 per annum (DOE)
Hours: 35 per week, Term Time + 1 week, 40 weeks per year
Reports to: Senior Operations Manager
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 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 Senior Operations Manager 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 Group Chef
- Workforce Planning & Deployment: Manage and deploy a mobile catering team to ensure kitchens remain fully staffed. Plan rotas, coordinate cover, and work with senior managers to anticipate staffing needs.
- People Management: Lead, support, and develop a mobile workforce, including line management responsibilities. Oversee 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: Recruit and retain mobile team members, supporting 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 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 forward-thinking Group Chef who thrives on leading teams, driving high standards, and delivering exceptional food and customer experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Group Chef in Enfield employer: Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL
HCL is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a dynamic work culture focused on excellence in school catering. With opportunities for professional growth, a commitment to high-quality food experiences, and a supportive environment for team management, HCL ensures that its Group Chef can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. The role's field-based nature across vibrant locations like Cheshunt and Enfield allows for diverse experiences and engagement with various educational settings.
Contact Details:
Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A HCL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Chef in Enfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your moment to shine and prove that you can deliver high-quality food and service. Plus, it gives you a taste of the team dynamics before you commit.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like HCL, and express your interest. A well-timed email can make all the difference and show that you’re genuinely keen on joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest food safety regulations and culinary trends. Consider taking short courses or certifications that can boost your CV. It shows potential employers that you’re committed to excellence and ready to lead a mobile catering team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Chef in Enfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the 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! Share your passion for food quality and customer service, and explain why you're excited about the opportunity at HCL. Let us know how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our dynamic culture.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s improving food quality, enhancing team performance, or ensuring compliance, we want to hear about the impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples work wonders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire Catering Limited T/A 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 challenges in a kitchen environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Group Chef, you'll be leading a mobile team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare to talk about your experience in managing teams, training staff, and how you've successfully motivated your workforce in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like staffing shortages or food quality issues. Think through your approach to these scenarios beforehand, and be prepared to explain your thought process and decision-making skills.
✨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 how you can contribute to their goals and enhance the dining experience in schools.
