At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create exceptional meals for staff and guests.
- Company: Join Mitie, a leading Facilities Management organisation with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great work-life balance with no weekends or bank holidays.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a well-established catering operation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Catering qualification, Level 3 Food Hygiene, and experience in large organisations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location
HSE Buxton – Derbyshire
Contract
Full-time
Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm (No weekends or Bank Holidays)
At Mitie, our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, reach their full potential, and be their best every day.
We are looking for an experienced
Head Chef to lead the delivery of catering services for staff, guests, and visitors.
This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and customer-focused catering professional who enjoys leading teams, maintaining high standards, and delivering exceptional food and service.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the catering operation, including food preparation, hospitality services, compliance, stock management, and team leadership.
You will play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and customer satisfaction while maintaining effective control of budgets and resources.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and present high-quality meals and hospitality offerings, ensuring exceptional food standards and customer satisfaction.
- Maintain compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, HACCP, allergen management, and company policies, ensuring accurate records and audit readiness.
- Manage stock control, ordering, deliveries, storage, stock takes, waste reduction, and budget performance to maximise efficiency and control costs.
- Lead, develop, and support catering and cleaning teams through effective supervision, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Drive continuous improvement through menu development, customer engagement, service enhancements, reporting, and operational best practice.
- What You'll Bring
Essential
- Relevant catering or hospitality qualification.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification.
- Allergen Awareness certification.
- Previous experience within a catering operation in a large organisation.
- Experience leading, motivating, and developing teams.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
- Experience managing budgets, forecasting expenditure, and monitoring financial performance.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Desirable
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification.
- Level 2 HACCP qualification.
- COSHH knowledge and experience.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments, and safe systems of work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Full UK driving licence due to location requirements.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is
- Passionate about delivering high-quality catering and customer service.
- A strong leader with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
- Calm, professional, and able to work effectively under pressure.
- Highly organised, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement.
- Flexible, reliable, and committed to maintaining the highest standards.
What's in It for You?
- The opportunity to lead a well-established catering operation.
- A great work-life balance with no weekends or Bank Holidays.
- A supportive environment focused on development and continuous improvement.
- The chance to make a real impact within a leading Facilities Management organisation
Head Chef in Derby employer: Mitie
Mitie is an excellent employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, offering a supportive work culture in Belfast. With benefits such as a branded vehicle and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to high service delivery standards across multiple sites. The company fosters growth opportunities, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the facilities maintenance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Derby
✨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 Mitie. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Mitie
Don't be shy about reaching out to Mitie 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 in Derby
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 Mitie 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 Mitie
✨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!
