At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team to create exceptional food experiences for pupils and staff.
- Company: Join Compass, a leader in the hospitality industry with a focus on people and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, flexible shifts, and exclusive employee perks.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a supportive, diverse work environment.
- Why this job: Work alongside celebrity chefs and innovate in a beautiful Sussex countryside setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong culinary and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 27594 - 33726 £ per year.
At Compass, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset, so we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Predominantly Monday to Friday daytime shifts (1 weekend in 3, working occasional bank holidays and late evenings for special hospitality events as per business requirements)
- Competitive salary
- Free meals on duty
- Car parking
- Outstanding working environment and facilities
- Opportunity to work alongside celebrity chefs at exclusive events
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
- Digital GP and healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
- Exclusive employees' benefits
- Cash rewards programme across a wide range of retailers
- Friends and family referral scheme
- Head Chef
- Brighton College Prep Handcross - West Sussex
- Full Time
Join an Award-Winning Team!
Brighton College Prep Handcross is a happy and vibrant day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2 to 13, in Sussex.
Set in 52 acres of idyllic Sussex countryside, the College offers an exciting, bright and buzzing family school, where we are well known for our welcoming atmosphere, high academic standards, outstanding teaching and exceptional care for every child.
The College offers full, weekly and part-time boarding in a beautiful, home-from-home boarding house.
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation at Brighton College Prep Handcross.
This is a fantastic role for an experienced chef who thrives in a high-quality environment and enjoys creating exceptional food experiences using the finest seasonal ingredients.
You'll lead from the front, inspire your team, and deliver outstanding food across for our pupils & staff
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team to consistently deliver exceptional food and service.
- Plan, organise and oversee the preparation and delivery of food for our pupils & staff
- Drive food innovation by keeping up to date with current culinary trends and presenting dishes to the highest standard.
- Take full responsibility for food production using a hands-on leadership approach.
- Manage purchasing, production & waste management, stock control, food costs and labour budgets to achieve financial targets.
- Ensure compliance with all Food Safety, Health & Safety and COSHH legislation.
- Implement food monitoring procedures and maintain accurate records.
- Minimise waste through effective planning, ordering and production management.
- Develop, coach and motivate your team to achieve high standards and continuous improvement.
- Build strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the College.
About You
We're looking for an experienced hospitality chef who combines creativity with strong commercial awareness.
- You Must Have
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within contract catering or premium hospitality & events
- Proven experience writing, costing and delivering seasonal menus.
- Outstanding culinary skills, allergens awareness and with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A proactive, positive and calm approach under pressure.
- Strong financial awareness, including budgeting, stock control, purchasing, waste management and food costing.
- Good IT skills and confidence using catering management systems.
- A genuine passion for outstanding food, hospitality events and customer service.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of HACCP and food compliance standards, Health, Safety, Food Hygiene and COSHH regulations.
- Flexible work attitude to work occasional weekends/bank holidays and late evenings as per client/business requirements.
- Must be able to obtain an Enhanced DBS certificate and confirmation that they are not barred from working with children.
- Role holders will be required to understand safeguarding issues and know how to report and sustain any concerns that may arise (training will be provided).
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues.
Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.
We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.
We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
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Head Chef - Handcross employer: Lodestone House
Compass Group UK&I is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance and professional development within the vibrant setting of an independent school in Edinburgh. Employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a commitment to high standards in food quality and health safety, and the chance to lead a motivated team dedicated to customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Handcross
✨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 Lodestone House. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lodestone House
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lodestone House 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 Head Chef - Handcross
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 Lodestone House 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 Lodestone House
✨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!
