At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals for adventurous guests while working in a fun kitchen team.
- Company: Join PGL, a leader in shaping young lives through outdoor adventures.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days off, paid volunteering, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
- Other info: Flexible hours with limited late nights and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's experiences while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and a passion for teamwork and food safety.
The predicted salary is between 32083 - 32083 £ per year.
Earn £32,083.53 (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. We’re 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.
Role Overview
Make a difference as a Chef. Having fun is hungry work! Our catering team is proud to serve tasty & nutritious meals, combining reassuring favourites and new cuisines, to keep the adventure going. As a Chef at PGL you’ll be part of a friendly & supportive catering team, reporting into the Head Chef. You'll provide first‑class nutritious meals for our many hungry guests without the pressure of menu creation or sourcing ingredients from scratch. You’ll be responsible for food preparation, cooking, stock ordering & organisation, cost control & coaching of junior team members. You will work a minimum number of late nights, with a Friday or Saturday evening off most weeks (especially outside of our peak season) and limited working over Christmas – this could be the perfect role to develop your career in catering without sacrificing your social life or that all important family time.
Responsibilities
- Provide first‑class nutritious meals for our many hungry guests.
- Handle food preparation, cooking, stock ordering & organisation.
- Maintain cost control and coach junior team members.
- Work late nights as required, with Friday or Saturday evening off most weeks (especially outside of our peak season) and limited working over Christmas.
Qualifications
- Enjoys the buzz of working in a busy kitchen as part of a fun and friendly team.
- An experienced caterer, ideally gained in a high‑volume environment.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene & handling allergen and dietary requirements.
- Strong organisational skills, managing your own time and workload effectively – working well under pressure.
- Ideally you will hold a Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering.
Core Values
Our core values: FUN, SAFETY, QUALITY, INCLUSIVITY, TEAMWORK and RESPECT. No matter your background, ethnicity, sexuality/gender identity, SEND, 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.
Benefits & Perks
- 20 days annual leave (+ 8 bank holidays) plus birthday off.
- Paid volunteering days to help worthwhile causes and option to purchase additional holiday.
- Career growth, mentoring, multiple pathways and opportunities to work across different UK or French locations.
- 24/7 access to our Wellbeing Hub alongside the Employee Assistance Program.
- Sector leading family friendly policies and a contributory pension.
- Financial wellbeing platform where you can borrow or save directly from your salary.
- Free/discounted PGL breaks for your family & discounts at 800+ retailers.
EEO Statement
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.
Chef in Northallerton employer: PGL
PGL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where fun and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. As a Chef, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous accommodation and meal packages, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing with access to our Wellbeing Hub and family-friendly policies. With ample opportunities for career growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives through our award-winning programmes, PGL is the perfect place to develop your culinary skills while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Northallerton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out PGL's values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their adventure.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be preparing meals for hungry guests, brush up on your food prep and cooking techniques. Maybe even try out a few new recipes to impress during your trial shift!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! Highlight your experience working in busy kitchens and how you support your colleagues. PGL values inclusivity and teamwork, so make sure to share examples of how you've contributed to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the PGL family. Don’t forget to follow up after applying – a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Northallerton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences in the kitchen and what makes you excited about being a Chef. We want to see your personality and enthusiasm for creating delicious meals.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had in catering or high-volume kitchens. We’re looking for someone who can handle the buzz of a busy kitchen, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and achievements!
Be Organised and Clear:Your application should be as organised as your kitchen! Keep it clear and concise, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience. A well-structured application reflects your strong organisational skills, which are key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at PGL!
How to prepare for a job interview at PGL
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and serving. Research PGL’s approach to nutrition and their focus on fun, tasty meals. This will show your passion for food and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your experience working in a busy kitchen environment and how you thrive as part of a team. Share examples of how you've supported junior team members or collaborated with colleagues to create a positive atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage your time and workload effectively, especially under pressure. Bring up specific instances where you successfully handled stock ordering or maintained cost control in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
PGL values FUN, SAFETY, QUALITY, INCLUSIVITY, TEAMWORK, and RESPECT. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share stories that reflect these core principles during your interview.
