At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating delicious meals for adventurous young people.
- Company: Join PGL, a leader in educational travel and outdoor adventures.
- Benefits: Earn £35,034, enjoy generous accommodation packages, and 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with growth opportunities and access to wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Fuel the next generation's adventures while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef/Head Chef and strong food hygiene knowledge required.
Earn £35,034 (live off rate) per annum (our pay system is benchmarked and fair).
Full Time Permanent Contract.
Accommodation & meal packages available (optional) at a generous rate with zero charge for bills or utilities.
Made by adventure, PGL is shaping the next generation through extraordinary residential adventures. Our award-winning programmes help children discover the fun of being outdoors, promote wellbeing, develop character, and build real-world skills for life. Will you join the adventure?
We’re proud to be part of PGL Beyond, a network of educational travel brands which empowers young people to explore, grow and thrive – through exceptional experiences that go beyond the classroom. Together, we’re making a difference.
A Head Chef position like no other… What could be more important than fuelling the next generation for adventure? Our catering team are proud to serve tasty & nutritious meals, combining reassuring favourites and new cuisines to keep the adventure going. Our centralised team provides all the recipes, enabling you and your team to focus on executing our proven menus; delivering delicious as well as safe food by ensuring all health and safety, allergen safety & food safety standards are followed.
You will work limited late finishes, with a Friday or Saturday evening off most weeks (especially outside of our peak season) and no working over Christmas - this could be the perfect role to progress your career in catering without sacrificing that all important social and family time!
As Head Chef, you’ll be reporting to the Catering Manager, and responsible for managing a team of Chefs & Catering Assistants; organising rotas, setting clear objectives and identifying any training needs. You will also ensure your team is following procedures to maintain exemplary levels of food hygiene, and confidently managing complex dietary requirements. Alongside managing financial aspects of the catering operation, production planning, waste and stock management.
Is this you?
- Experience as a Sous Chef/Head Chef in a mid-to-large scale dining environment.
- Has experience and understanding of food mass production.
- A confident leader of people with strong organisational and decision-making skills.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene & handling complex dietary requirements including allergies and intolerances.
- You will hold your City & Guilds 7061/2 (or equivalent) and Level 3 or above in Food Safety and Allergen Management.
Above all, it’s our core values of FUN, SAFETY, QUALITY, INCLUSIVITY, TEAMWORK and RESPECT that unite us.
A place to thrive: No matter your background, ethnicity, age, neurodivergence or anything else … PGL is a place to be yourself, have fun, use your valuable skills for good and celebrate what makes you brilliantly unique.
Fair pay and benefits for all:
- On top of your 25 days annual leave (+ 8 bank holidays), you’ll also enjoy your birthday off, have paid volunteering days to help worthwhile causes and the option to purchase additional holiday.
- A career with ongoing growth, aided development, mentoring, multiple pathways and opportunities to work across different UK or French locations.
- 24/7 access to our Wellbeing Hub alongside our Employee Assistance Program.
- Sector leading family friendly policies and a contributory pension.
- Access to our financial wellbeing platform where you can borrow or save directly from your salary.
- Free/discounted PGL breaks for your family & discounts at 800+ retailers.
We hire the best talent and value a diverse, inclusive team; so, we are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone and are happy to provide helpful adjustments to make it easier to complete. Simply email or call us with detail around the adjustments you need.
However, our top priority is the safety of the guests on our centres. Therefore, all centre based employees and some specific Head Office employees must undergo an Enhanced criminal record check (known as DBS or PVG), which we pay for. You will need to provide a 5-year address history and ID (such as passport/birth certificate). Convictions related to violence, drugs, or safeguarding may affect your application. Not all convictions will disqualify you, as we assess each case individually.
Head Chef in Baschurch employer: PGL
PGL is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits including accommodation options and meal packages. With a strong focus on inclusivity and teamwork, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and career progression, all while contributing to meaningful experiences for young adventurers. The role of Head Chef not only allows for creativity in the kitchen but also provides a balanced work-life schedule, making it an ideal opportunity for those looking to thrive in a fulfilling environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Baschurch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into PGL's values and mission. This way, you can show how your own values align with theirs, making you a perfect fit for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be managing a team and ensuring food quality, be ready to discuss your culinary expertise and how you handle dietary requirements. Bring some tasty ideas to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former PGL employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and benefits right there, making it easier for you to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Baschurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creating delicious meals shine through. Share any unique experiences or dishes that highlight your culinary skills and passion for food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you foster a positive working environment.
Be Clear About Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your relevant qualifications, like your City & Guilds 7061/2 or equivalent. This helps us see that you have the necessary knowledge of food safety and allergen management right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at PGL
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of meals PGL serves. Understand the nutritional aspects and how to cater for various dietary requirements. This will show your passion for food and your ability to lead a team in delivering quality meals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've organised rotas, set objectives, and identified training needs. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you can effectively manage and inspire your team.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since food hygiene is crucial, brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards and allergen management. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen environment. This will reassure them that you prioritise safety while maintaining high-quality food production.
✨Align with PGL's Values
Familiarise yourself with PGL’s core values: FUN, SAFETY, QUALITY, INCLUSIVITY, TEAMWORK, and RESPECT. Think of examples from your past experiences that reflect these values. Showing that you resonate with their mission will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their culture.
