At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
- Company: Olive Dining, a dedicated school catering company focused on fresh, nutritious meals.
- Benefits: 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 a school community while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in the kitchen and a food safety certificate preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Who We Are
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. Now, we’re on the lookout for a Chef to help us create delicious dishes and keep our kitchen running smoothly — with plenty of smiles along the way in the kitchen. If you’re passionate about food, love working in a team, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment with purpose — this could be the perfect role for you.
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 our Sous Chef, you’ll work closely with the Head Chef/ Chef Manager to prepare, cook, and serve meals that students and staff will love. You’ll be part chef, part team player, and part mealtime hero — stepping in wherever you’re needed to keep service running like clockwork. You’ll be working alongside the Chef Manager crafting delicious, balanced, and nutritious meals for the students and staff. From pizzas to pasta, healthy salads to hearty stews, your creations will fuel the next generation. You’ll be working alongside your Chef Manager, Catering Assistants, and school Staff to ensure every meal is prepped, cooked, displayed and served in line with Olive Dining Standards and with a smile (and a dash of flair). Supporting the Chef Manager in managing the kitchen during busy service times to ensure service runs smoothly. You’ll ensure all dishes meet our high standards for taste, presentation, and nutrition—because the future leaders of tomorrow deserve the best! The school day may be full of energy (and a few crumbs), but you’ll keep the kitchen running smoothly, making sure we never run out of stock! Helping to set up, serve, and clear down after meals ensuring our customers have the best experience. Maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe kitchen environment. Leading and motivating the kitchen team, making sure everyone knows their tasks and works together. And the completion of any other reasonable requests given by your Line Manager.
What You’ll Need
- Experience in the kitchen is a must – whether it’s in schools, restaurants, or catering, we want someone who’s ready to jump in and get cooking.
- A food safety certificate or equivalent – we want to keep everything safe, healthy, and tasty.
- To be a good team player who can keep calm under pressure and loves the hustle of a busy kitchen.
- Good understanding of food hygiene and safety (Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is a bonus).
- Flexibility: You’re great at thinking on your feet and adapting when the menu or schedule needs a quick change.
- Strong communication skills and a positive attitude. Kids, staff, and school life can be unpredictable, so a big smile and a laugh will go a long way!
This Role Is Perfect If You
- Want to make a real impact in a school community
- Enjoy variety and hands‑on working
- Like the idea of work‑life balance that includes school holidays
- Are ready to bring your ideas, creativity, and energy to the table
Ready to Join the Olive Team?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your catering career and want to work somewhere that values people, flavour, and fun — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your passion to the plate!
Second Chef Riverside Secondary School employer: Olive Dining Limited
At Olive Dining, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and family-friendly employer, offering term-time hours that allow you to enjoy school holidays and weekends off. Our team culture is built on collaboration and care, ensuring that every member feels valued and has access to growth opportunities, including an Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support. Join us in creating delicious meals that fuel the next generation while working in a vibrant kitchen environment where your passion for food can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef Riverside Secondary School
✨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 Second Chef Riverside Secondary School
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!
