Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious, healthy meals for students.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a top provider of catering in Independent Schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym membership, discounts, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through great food.
- Qualifications: Proven culinary skills and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Term time only role with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Better work/life balance with Term time only (34 weeks plus 5.6 weeks' holiday pay)
- Free meals on duty
- Local gym membership
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Working 5 out of 7 days. Please note: this will be term time only, 40 weeks per year.
Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is the leading provider of catering and support services to Independent Schools in the UK. You will be part of a team that supports high quality education at this school by providing outstanding food and service to the pupils and staff. You will be a key part of a team who have a passion for preparing food daily using fresh ingredients. It all starts with enjoyment‑great tasting, healthy food that pupils look forward to and really enjoy.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and ambitious Head Chef with a real passion for food where you can develop your career with the world’s leading food service and facilities management company. We’re successful and we deliver the sort of people‑focused care that’s always in demand. So, add your talents to ours and see how far you can go as a Head Chef here.
Working for this prestigious client, we are seeking an experienced and talented Head Chef to join our fantastic team who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients. The Head Chef will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food ensuring that the company’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times. Taking responsibility for the food production with a hands‑on approach. Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning and promotions and preferred suppliers. Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HS and COSHH. The Head Chef will also be required to implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets.
Who You Are:
- Excellent and Innovative culinary and presentation skills
- Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills
- Energetic with a passion to do a great job
- Able to manage staff in a calm, inspirational manner
- A forward‑thinker who can prevent wastage
- Demonstrates a passion for food
- Team Player
- Excellent organisation skills
- Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
- A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing
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!
Head Chef- Tonbridge employer: Lodestone House
Contact Detail:
Lodestone House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef- Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to schools or catering companies you admire and express your interest. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef- Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create amazing dishes. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing a kitchen and working with fresh ingredients. We’re looking for someone who can lead our team with flair!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show your personality!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lodestone House
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends, cooking techniques, and seasonal ingredients. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion for food and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team or resolved conflicts, and be ready to discuss your management style.
✨Understand the Business Side
Make sure you have a solid grasp of budgeting, food costing, and profit margins. Be ready to talk about how you've managed costs in previous roles and how you can contribute to the financial success of the kitchen.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's catering philosophy, their approach to food safety, and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
