Casual Chef in Croydon

Casual Chef in Croydon

Croydon Full-Time 11.7 - 14.3 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
Lexington-Catering

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create fresh, nutritious meals that energise students and inspire pride in every dish.
  • Company: Join Elior, a people-first business dedicated to enriching lives through great food.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, paid volunteering days, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we celebrate every individual.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Chef, passion for nutritious food, and strong organisational skills.

The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.

Taylor Shaw – Great Food, Bright Futures

At Taylor Shaw, we believe healthy food fuels young minds, and we’re passionate about serving delicious, nutritious meals in schools and colleges across the UK. Every meal is fresh, sustainable, and packed with goodness – because we know young people deserve the best.

Elior is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates that are shortlisted for this role will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List, and two suitable references.

How you’ll make an impact:

  • Create fresh, high-quality meals that support students’ wellbeing, focus and energy.
  • Inspire consistency and pride in every dish, maintaining excellent standard of quality, presentation and portioning.
  • Lead by example in food safety, hygiene and cleanliness, create a safe and welcoming environment.
  • Support and uplift the wider team, sharing knowledge and helping others succeed.

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday | Hours To Suit The Business Need

The ingredients you’ll bring:

  • Proven experience as a Chef in a fast-paced catering operation.
  • A genuine passion for producing nutritious, great tasting food.
  • Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage your responsibilities confidently.
  • Solid knowledge of food hygiene, safety and compliance standards.
  • A positive, team focused approach, with the confidence to work independently and support others.

Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!

At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:

  • Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
  • Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
  • Plenty of Time to Unwind - Flexibility around family life with holidays that match the school calendar.
  • Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
  • Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
  • Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
  • Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
  • Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day. And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.

We Celebrate You! At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!

Casual Chef in Croydon employer: Lexington-Catering

Lexington is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture where employees feel valued and inspired. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to career development, Lexington ensures that its General Managers can thrive both personally and professionally while delivering outstanding service in a dynamic law firm environment. Enjoy free meals, mental health support, and exclusive discounts, making every day at work rewarding and fulfilling.

Lexington-Catering

Contact Details:

Lexington-Catering Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Casual Chef in Croydon

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 Lexington-Catering. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Lexington-Catering

Don't be shy about reaching out to Lexington-Catering 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 Casual Chef in Croydon

Culinary Skills
Food Safety Knowledge
Hygiene Standards
Time Management
Organisational Skills
Teamwork
Independent Working

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 Lexington-Catering 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 Lexington-Catering

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!