At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious meals for adventurous kids while ensuring food safety.
- Company: Join PGL, a leader in outdoor education and adventure experiences.
- Benefits: Earn £35,034, enjoy 25 days leave, and have your birthday off!
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Fuel the next generation's adventures with tasty, nutritious meals and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef/Head Chef and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35034 - 35034 £ per year.
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.
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.
For any enquiries specific to this role please email katy.morgan@pgl.co.uk. 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 Hindhead employer: PGL
PGL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Head Chefs to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. With competitive pay, generous benefits including accommodation and meal packages, and a strong focus on employee growth through mentoring and development opportunities, PGL ensures that you can balance your career with family and social life. Join us in shaping the next generation while enjoying sector-leading family-friendly policies and a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Hindhead
✨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 PGL. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to PGL
Don't be shy about reaching out to PGL 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 Hindhead
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 PGL 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 PGL
✨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!
