At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals for students and staff in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Olive Dining, a supportive team dedicated to quality and nutrition.
- Benefits: Enjoy family-friendly hours, free meals, and access to wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a fun, dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives with your culinary skills and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchens and a passion for teamwork are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Head Chef/Chef Manager to prepare, cook, and serve meals that students and staff will love, stepping in wherever needed to keep service running like clockwork.
- Work alongside the Chef Manager to craft delicious, balanced, and nutritious meals for the students and staff, from pizzas to pasta, healthy salads to hearty stews.
- Collaborate with your Chef Manager, Catering Assistants, and school staff to ensure every meal is prepped, cooked, displayed, and served in line with Olive Dining standards, with a smile and a dash of flair.
- Support the Chef Manager in managing the kitchen during busy service times to ensure service runs smoothly.
- Ensure all dishes meet high standards for taste, presentation, and nutrition.
- Keep the kitchen running smoothly, making sure we never run out of stock despite a bustling school day.
- Help set up, serve, and clear down after meals to ensure customers have the best experience.
- Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe kitchen environment.
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team, ensuring everyone knows their tasks and works together.
- Complete any other reasonable requests given by your Line Manager.
Qualifications
- Experience in the kitchen is a must – whether in schools, restaurants, or catering.
- Hold a Food Safety Certificate or equivalent.
- Be a good team player who can keep calm under pressure and loves the hustle of a busy kitchen.
- Have a good understanding of food hygiene and safety (Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is a bonus).
- Be flexible, thinking on your feet and adapting when the menu or schedule needs a quick change.
- Possess strong communication skills and a positive attitude, with a big smile and laugh to navigate unpredictable school life.
Benefits
- Family‑Friendly Hours: Term time only, so you can enjoy school holidays too!
- Weekends off.
- Supportive team culture: you’re never just a number here.
- Free meals on duty: 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.
Second Chef - Riverside Secondary School - London employer: Olive Dining Ltd
At Olive Dining, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where every member is valued and encouraged to thrive. With family-friendly hours during term time, free meals on duty, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. Join us in creating delicious, nutritious meals for students and staff while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant school setting in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef - Riverside Secondary School - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with people in the industry, attend local food events, or even pop into the school for a casual visit. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish to share or offer to help out in the kitchen during a busy service. This gives you a chance to shine and show how well you work with the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to be posted. Reach out directly to the school or catering company and express your interest. A friendly email or call can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate chefs who want to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef - Riverside Secondary School - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and creating delicious meals shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for crafting balanced and nutritious dishes that students will enjoy!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Make sure to mention your experience working in a team, especially in busy kitchen environments. We value collaboration, so share examples of how you've worked with others to keep service running smoothly.
Keep It Clean and Professional:Your written application should reflect the high standards we uphold in our kitchens. Pay attention to spelling and grammar, and present your information clearly to show that you take pride in your work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Riverside Secondary School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Olive Dining Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you'll be preparing, especially those mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with various cuisines and how you can contribute to creating delicious, balanced meals for students and staff.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've worked well in a team. Be prepared to share how you motivate others and keep the kitchen running smoothly, especially during busy service times.
✨Safety First!
Brush up on your food hygiene knowledge and be ready to talk about your Food Safety Certificate. Highlight any experiences where you maintained high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, as this will show you're serious about keeping everyone safe.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Prepare for questions about how you handle stress in a bustling kitchen environment. Share specific instances where you adapted quickly to changes in the menu or schedule, showcasing your flexibility and problem-solving skills.
