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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a culinary team, create innovative menus, and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a top UK contract caterer for independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and discounts on brands through Perkbox.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' food experiences while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef with strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and bespoke training.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ per year.
Company Description
Location: Cheltenham College
Contract Type: 40 weeks Term Time contract
Salary: £38,000pa
Why Join us?
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary team at Cheltenham College. You will be responsible for creating exceptional menus, managing kitchen operations, and delivering outstanding food experiences to our pupils, staff, and visitors. You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation
- Create innovative and seasonal menus tailored to the school’s requirements
- Manage kitchen staff recruitment, training, and development
- Control budgets, stock, and supplier relationships efficiently
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
- Collaborate with the wider catering and school teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences
Qualifications
- Experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high-profile business and industry setting
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Passionate about fresh, quality ingredients and innovative menus
- Excellent organisational, communication, and financial management skills
- Knowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and allergen control
Additional Information
We pride ourselves on:
- People first: We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always: Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education: We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do: Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking: New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Head Chef in Cheltenham employer: Holroyd Howe
Contact Detail:
Holroyd Howe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to independent schools or contract catering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a demo of your cooking style. This is a great way to showcase your creativity and passion for food directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews by researching the latest food trends and sustainability practices. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with the school's values and show how you can elevate their culinary offerings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Holroyd Howe.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create exceptional culinary experiences. We want to see your personality and passion for the role!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef position. Highlight relevant experience in contract catering or education settings, and don’t forget to mention any innovative menu ideas you've implemented. We’re looking for someone who can bring fresh thinking to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your skills and experience without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Holroyd Howe!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holroyd Howe
✨Know Your Menus
Before the interview, take some time to research and even draft a few innovative menu ideas that align with the school's ethos. This shows your passion for creating exceptional food experiences and your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams. Share specific examples of how you've trained and developed staff, as well as how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on current food safety, health & safety, and allergen control policies. Being able to articulate your knowledge in these areas will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work with other teams, such as catering and school staff. Discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past to enhance customer experiences, as this is key to the role at Cheltenham College.
