At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious, healthy meals for students every day.
- Company: Join a specialist catering company focused on nourishing young minds in Independent Schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning and well-being through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for healthy cooking required.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children and colleagues is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: £35,000
TERM TIME
Our way of saying thank youAt Lexington, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel appreciated & rewarded, which is why we offer generous rewards & benefits in exchange for your dedicated efforts.
- FREE On-Site Lunches: Savour delicious and healthy meals, on us, every day at work
- Flexible Working: Enjoy the freedom to balance work and personal life with our flexible working hours
- Term Time Holidays: Offering you flexibility
- Family Leave: Prioritise your family commitments with our family leave options designed to support you during important times
- Paid Charity Leave: Make a difference in your community with paid time off to volunteer for your favourite causes
- Opportunities for Career Progression: Grow and advance your career with us, supported by continuous learning and development opportunities
- Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits: Access mental health support and a range of wellbeing benefits to keep you feeling your best, both professionally and personally
- Life Assurance & Pension Schemes: Secure your future with our life assurance and workplace pension schemes
- Exclusive Discounts & Perks: Enjoy discounts and cashback on entertainment, leisure activities, and much more, alongside our popular cycle-to-work scheme
What youll be doing
As a Head Chef you will be proactively managing and supporting a catering team as well as creating a platform for financial growth through cost control and culinary excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Recruiting, training, supporting and people development to deliver an efficient, high quality service to Elior UK, customer and client
- Maintaining, ordering and controlling food stocks within budget
- 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?In this role:
- 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 Head Chef or Sous Chef ready for their next step
AMRT1_UKCT
Head Chef employer: Lexington Independents
Contact Detail:
Lexington Independents Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of children in independent schools. Understanding how to create balanced, nutritious meals that appeal to young taste buds will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in managing a kitchen team effectively. Highlight any previous roles where you led a team, especially in a school or catering environment, as this demonstrates your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasize your commitment to food safety and hygiene standards. Being able to discuss your knowledge of regulations and best practices will reassure us of your ability to maintain a safe kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss innovative menu ideas that cater to diverse dietary requirements. Showing creativity in meal planning can highlight your passion for providing exciting food options for students.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Values: Familiarize yourself with Lexington's mission and values. Highlight your passion for providing healthy and exciting food, and how it aligns with their commitment to supporting pupils' development.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your experience in catering, especially in educational settings. Provide specific examples of how your culinary skills have positively impacted students' well-being and learning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role of Head Chef. Discuss your approach to creating nutritious meals and how you can contribute to a positive dining experience for students.
Highlight Safeguarding Awareness: Since Lexington is committed to safeguarding, mention any relevant training or experience you have in child safety and welfare. This will demonstrate your alignment with their values and priorities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington Independents
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating delicious and healthy meals. Share examples of how you've incorporated nutritious ingredients into your dishes and how you believe food impacts a child's learning and development.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Understand the Importance of Food Safety
Since the role involves working with children, it's crucial to emphasize your knowledge of food safety standards and practices. Be ready to talk about how you ensure a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
✨Connect with the Company's Values
Research Lexington's commitment to safeguarding children and their focus on providing quality food. During the interview, align your personal values with theirs and discuss how you can contribute to their mission.