At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals that fuel young minds and inspire your team.
- Company: Olive Dining, a dedicated school catering company serving fresh meals across London and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy family-friendly hours, weekends off, free meals, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in schools while enjoying work-life balance with school holidays.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, leadership skills, and experience in catering or chef roles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Make a difference every day by helping provide healthy, delicious meals to children at school.
About Us
At Olive Dining, we believe great food brings people together — and there’s no better place to do that than in schools, where young minds are growing every day. We’re a dedicated school catering company serving fresh, nutritious meals to students across London, Kent, Surrey, and Essex.
Why You'll Love Working With Us
- Family-Friendly Hours: Term time only, so you can enjoy school holidays too!
- Weekends Off: Yes, really.
- Supportive Team Culture: You're never just a number here.
- Free Meals on Duty: Because chefs should never work hungry.
- Wellbeing First: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme including free CBT, health, and financial support.
- Room to Grow: We believe in promoting from within and helping our people thrive.
Your Day-to-Day As a Relief Chef
- Cook up exciting, balanced meals that keep students happy and energised.
- Lead, train, and inspire your team to deliver top-notch service every day.
- Keep things running smoothly — from ordering supplies to managing kitchen finances.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and compliance.
- Gather feedback from students and staff and use it to keep improving.
- Keep a close eye on stock, costs, and quality.
- Report on performance, meet KPIs, and help the site shine in every way.
- Complete any other reasonable requests given by your manager.
What You’ll Need
- A genuine passion for good food and great service.
- Experience in a similar chef or catering manager role.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills.
- Comfortable with kitchen finances, stock control, and compliance records.
- Great communication skills — with both adults and young people.
- A positive, proactive mindset and a love for working in education settings.
- IT literacy and good organisational skills.
- A sense of humour.
Ideal Candidate
- Want to make a real impact in a school community.
- Enjoy variety and hands‑on leadership.
- Like the idea of work-life balance that includes school holidays.
- Ready to bring your ideas, creativity, and energy to the table.
Relief Chef in Essex employer: Olive Dining Limited
At Olive Dining, we pride ourselves on being a family-friendly employer that values work-life balance, offering term-time hours and weekends off. Our supportive team culture ensures that every member feels valued, with opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside benefits like free meals on duty and access to wellbeing resources. Join us in making a meaningful impact by providing nutritious meals to students across London, Kent, Surrey, and Essex, while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chef in Essex
✨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 Olive Dining Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Olive Dining Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Olive Dining Limited 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 Relief Chef in Essex
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 Olive Dining Limited 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 Olive Dining Limited
✨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!
