Development Chef - Contract Catering
Development Chef - Contract Catering

Development Chef - Contract Catering

Full-Time 39600 - 66000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create innovative menus and lead culinary projects across multiple schools.
  • Company: Join a top Contract Caterer dedicated to providing nutritious food in schools nationwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and the chance to travel across the UK.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on students' dining experiences.
  • Qualifications: Must have senior chef experience in the independent education sector and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: This role involves regular travel and collaboration with various stakeholders.

The predicted salary is between 39600 - 66000 £ per year.

I am currently recruiting a Development Chef for a leading Contract Caterer who specialise in providing fresh and nutritious food in to schools across the country. My client is looking for a Development Chef to join their team, someone who is at the top of their game in the independent school sector.

As Development Chef, you will be part of the senior culinary team, working across multiple locations to take the food offering to the next level. You will work on various projects from menu concepts and strategies to attending client meetings and food forums.

The ideal Development Chef will have the following skills/experience:

  • Worked at a senior chef level within the independent education sector
  • Knowledge of diverse food concepts and the ability to develop multiple cuisines from around the globe
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact with students, clients and the site managers
  • Strong financial acumen and the ability to produce and cost fresh and exciting menus

As Development Chef, you will be based in the home counties, reporting in to an Operations Director and responsible for 30 schools. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to be comfortable with regular travel across the UK.

If you feel this is the role for you, apply today to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity.

Development Chef - Contract Catering employer: Illume Recruitment

As a leading Contract Caterer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary of £55k plus a car allowance, alongside a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities to lead innovative projects across multiple locations, while our focus on providing fresh, nutritious food in schools ensures that your work has a meaningful impact on the lives of students. Join us in the home counties and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to elevating culinary standards in the independent education sector.
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Contact Detail:

Illume Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Chef - Contract Catering

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the independent education sector. Attend culinary events, food forums, or industry conferences where you can meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your culinary creativity by developing a portfolio of diverse menu concepts. Include examples that highlight your ability to create exciting dishes from various cuisines. This will demonstrate your skills and passion for the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with financial management in the kitchen. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully costed menus and managed budgets in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Development Chef position.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in nutrition and food sustainability, especially in the context of school catering. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to providing nutritious meals.

We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef - Contract Catering

Senior Chef Experience
Menu Development
Culinary Creativity
Knowledge of Diverse Cuisines
Strong Communication Skills
Client Interaction
Financial Acumen
Menu Costing
Project Management
Team Collaboration
Adaptability to Travel
Understanding of Nutrition
Food Safety Standards
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a senior chef, particularly in the independent education sector. Emphasise your skills in developing diverse food concepts and any relevant projects you've worked on.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for contract catering and your understanding of the unique needs of schools. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully developed menus or engaged with clients in the past.

Highlight Communication Skills: In your application, demonstrate your strong communication skills. Provide examples of how you've interacted with students, clients, and site managers to enhance the dining experience.

Showcase Financial Acumen: Include details about your experience with budgeting and costing menus. Highlight any achievements where you successfully managed food costs while maintaining quality and innovation in your offerings.

How to prepare for a job interview at Illume Recruitment

✨Showcase Your Culinary Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience at a senior chef level, particularly within the independent education sector. Highlight specific projects or menu concepts you've developed that demonstrate your ability to create diverse and exciting dishes.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Since the role involves interacting with students, clients, and site managers, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Consider examples where you've successfully communicated complex culinary concepts to non-chefs.

✨Prepare for Financial Discussions

Brush up on your financial acumen, especially regarding menu costing and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you have previously managed costs while still delivering high-quality food offerings.

✨Emphasise Flexibility and Travel Readiness

Given the travel requirements of the role, express your willingness and ability to travel across the UK. Share any past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple locations or projects simultaneously.

Development Chef - Contract Catering
Illume Recruitment
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  • Development Chef - Contract Catering

    Full-Time
    39600 - 66000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-04-24

  • I

    Illume Recruitment

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