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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team to create nutritious meals for students.
- Company: Join Lexington Independents, dedicated to providing fresh and sustainable food for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing while working in a vibrant school setting.
- Qualifications: Must have 2+ years as an Executive Chef or Head Chef with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: DBS check required; we prioritise safeguarding children and colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role based at Paddington Academy, United Learning's flagship school sits within our Education division – catering for students. Dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious, fresh, and sustainable food for our younger generation, we are 100% committed to supporting a healthy diet. At Lexington Independents, we are driven by the knowledge that young people deserve and need the best food for their wellbeing; we do food with a difference.
Lexington 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.
What you’ll be doing…
- Proactively managing and supporting a large catering team (15+) as well as creating a platform for financial growth through cost control and culinary excellence.
- Recruiting, training, supporting and people development to deliver an efficient, high quality service to Lexington, customer and client.
- Maintaining, ordering and controlling food stocks within budget.
- Menu writing, innovation and ideas that appeal to the clientele.
- Ensuring ongoing team communications, including building internal and external relationships, management reporting and client liaison to enable operational excellence.
- Accountable for COSHH, Food Safety, H&S, legal regulations, environmental policies and duty of care to customer and colleagues.
What can you bring?
- Proven leadership ability with a proactive, hands-on approach.
- Genuine interest in customer service excellence.
- Focused on the front line.
- Catering experience essential with chef skills.
- 2+ years experience as Executive Chef or Head Chef ready for their next step.
Executive Chef employer: Lexington Independents
Contact Detail:
Lexington Independents Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the catering and education sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who can provide insights about the role and potentially refer you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained and developed staff, as this is crucial for the Executive Chef position.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with current trends in nutritious and sustainable food. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to menu writing and innovation. Think of creative ideas that could appeal to students while maintaining nutritional standards, as this will be a key part of your role.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and leadership. Emphasise your skills in managing a team, menu writing, and cost control, as these are crucial for the Executive Chef role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing nutritious food for young people. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved service quality in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any culinary qualifications or certifications you possess, especially those related to food safety and health regulations. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide examples of your leadership style and how you've developed your team in past positions. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that led to operational excellence or financial growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington Independents
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Executive Chef, you'll be managing a large team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight any training or development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Demonstrate Culinary Innovation
Lexington values creativity in menu writing. Bring along ideas for innovative dishes that align with their commitment to nutritious and sustainable food. Discuss trends in healthy eating and how you can incorporate them into their offerings.
✨Understand Financial Management
Since the role involves cost control and financial growth, be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting and managing food costs. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've improved profitability in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Safety Knowledge
With responsibilities around COSHH, Food Safety, and H&S regulations, it's crucial to demonstrate your knowledge in these areas. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous positions and any relevant certifications you hold.
