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- Tasks: Join our team to create delicious meals for students and staff every day.
- Company: Dynamic school catering service focused on quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only hours, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop culinary skills in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing healthy, tasty food in a vibrant school environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking and ability to work in a team.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 25300 £ per year.
Teaching careers in HMC independent schools
We seek to appoint a professional and enthusiastic Assistant Chef to join our Catering Services Team in producing high quality food for our pupils and staff in our busy school.
Required as soon as possible
The post will be to provide a high quality, professional and responsive catering service to the Junior and Senior Schools and staff, reporting to the Head Chef, who in turn reports to the Head of Catering Services.
Service is cafeteria style and offers a wide choice including soup, a choice of hot and cold main courses and puddings, a vegetarian dish, open sandwiches, and salad meals. The team prepare around 1,500 meals each day as well as preparing several formal dinners over the academic year for between 30 and 120 guests.
Very little frozen food is used and the team, working together, takes great pride in producing interesting and healthy food whilst catering for a wide variety of dietary requirements.
Salary: c26.5k gross per annum (based on a 37-hour working week FTE). As the role is 40 hours per week, term time only + 6 days, the actual salary is pro rata to c22.7k gross per annum. In addition to the basic salary, the Assistant Chef also benefits from a retainer which is paid in equal instalments across the year.
Normal Working Hours– 6am-2.30pm Monday – Friday.
Excellent benefits available.
Closing Date: 9.00am Friday 3rd October 2025. Early applications are encouraged.
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Assistant Chef employer: HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
Contact Detail:
HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its catering style! Research their menu and understand what they value in food preparation. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff if you can. They can give you insider tips on what the team is like and what the Head Chef looks for in an Assistant Chef. Plus, a friendly chat can sometimes lead to a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If you get an interview, they might ask you about your experience with different dietary requirements or how you handle busy service times. Be prepared to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for cooking and creating high-quality meals. Share any experiences or inspirations that drive your passion for food, especially in a school setting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any previous roles you've had in catering or food preparation. We want to know how your skills can contribute to our busy kitchen, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary achievements!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application to fit the Assistant Chef role. Mention specific aspects of our catering services that excite you and how you can help us maintain our high standards in food quality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes and dietary requirements mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating healthy, interesting meals that cater to a variety of tastes and needs.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking and catering. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for food and how it drives you to create high-quality meals.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since you'll be working closely with the Head Chef and other team members, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your cooking techniques and how you handle various dietary restrictions. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety and preparation methods, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach meal planning for large groups.