At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fresh, vibrant dishes with flair and creativity in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer known for exceptional food experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, birthday off, enhanced leave, and ongoing career development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that celebrates success and fosters growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a creative role where your passion for food shines.
- Qualifications: Previous chef experience with strong craft skills and a flair for presentation.
Deli Chef - Milton Keynes
DELI CHEF
Milton Keynes | 32,000 per annum | Monday to Friday | 37.5 hours
Fresh ingredients. Beautiful food. Creativity in every detail.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Deli Chef to join our kitchen team at an exciting new client location in Milton Keynes.
We're looking for someone with a genuine passion for food, strong craft skills and a real eye for presentation - a chef who takes pride in creating fresh, vibrant and beautifully presented food. You'll bring creativity, consistency and strong organisation to the kitchen, while supporting the team and maintaining exceptional standards throughout the day.
THE ROLE
- Prepare and deliver a fresh, vibrant and beautifully presented daily food offer.
- Bring creativity and flair to menus, seasonal dishes and presentation.
- Work with quality ingredients to produce consistently excellent food.
- Support the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen and maintain exceptional standards throughout service.
- Take responsibility for food preparation, production and presentation within your area.
- Support and supervise members of the kitchen team, sharing knowledge and maintaining high standards.
- Manage stock effectively and support strong cost control and minimal food waste.
- Plan and organise your workload to ensure food is prepared efficiently and ready for service.
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen awareness, hygiene and safe working practices.
- Contribute ideas and creativity to continually develop the food offer.
ABOUT YOU
- Previous experience as a chef, including a minimum of two years' supervisory responsibility.
- City & Guilds, NVQ or relevant catering or food production training, together with a food hygiene qualification or equivalent practical knowledge.
- Strong craft skills with genuine flair and creativity in both food and presentation.
- Good financial and commercial awareness, including cost control, stock control and budget management.
- A well-organised, passionate chef with excellent planning and time-management skills and genuine pride in quality and consistency.
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
Alongside the opportunity to join an exciting new client location, you'll be joining a business that genuinely invests in its people, celebrates success and creates opportunities to develop.
- Your birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership, giving you access to one of the UK's leading hospitality communities
- Foodie Socials - bringing our teams together to share new concepts, seasonal food and drink ideas and the creativity happening across Houston & Hawkes
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine opportunities for career progression
- Our Summer Awards Party - celebrating the people, achievements and successes across Houston & Hawkes
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues - bringing the whole business together to celebrate the year in true Houston & Hawkes style
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- 37.5 hours per week
ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK's most prestigious client sites.
We're a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
If you're a talented Deli Chef with a passion for fresh food, beautiful presentation and exceptional standards, we would love to hear from you.
Deli Chef - Milton Keynes employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London where creativity and passion for food thrive. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive team environment that values exceptional customer service and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in delivering premium experiences while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deli Chef - Milton Keynes
✨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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 Deli Chef - Milton Keynes
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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
