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- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for children and staff in a fun outdoor setting.
- Company: Join a vibrant residential activity centre near Ashford, Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £31,230 salary, generous holidays, and live-in options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's experiences while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong food hygiene knowledge.
- Other info: Access to wellbeing support and opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 35000 £ per year.
Chef role in Ashford with £31,230 salary and excellent benefits. Full-time role at a residential activity centre, 5 days out of 7, split shifts, no late evenings, live-in available if needed.
We are recruiting a Chef to join the catering team at a large residential outdoor activity centre set in the countryside near Ashford, Kent. The centre welcomes children and young people year-round for multi-day residential stays focused on outdoor adventures, teamwork and personal development. From early breakfasts before activities to evening meals following full days outdoors, you will play an important role in preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals in a fun and purposeful environment. This is a full-time, permanent role offering structured split shifts, no late evenings, and long-term stability. It is well suited to an experienced Chef or hands-on cook who enjoys variety, teamwork and cooking for large groups.
Why apply / What’s in it for you?
- Full-time position working 5 days out of 7 with planned split shifts
- No late evenings, supporting a healthier work-life balance
- Salary of £31,230 per year
- Generous holiday allowance, plus bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday
- Option to purchase additional annual leave and take paid volunteering days
- Ongoing training, mentoring and clear career development pathways
- Opportunities to work across other UK or European locations
- 24/7 access to wellbeing and mental health support, including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies and a contributory pension scheme
- Financial wellbeing tools allowing you to save or borrow directly from your salary
- Free or heavily discounted family breaks, plus discounts at over 800 retailers
- Live-in accommodation available, if needed
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals to a high standard for children, staff and visitors
- Cater for medical, dietary and allergen requirements with care and attention
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, HACCP and health & safety standards
- Support the organisation and day-to-day running of the kitchen team
- Manage your own workload while contributing to continuous improvement
- Assist with wider centre duties within a busy outdoor residential activity environment near Ashford
What we’re looking for:
- Previous experience as a cook or Chef in a high-volume catering environment
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene, allergen control and dietary requirements
- Ability to stay organised and work calmly under pressure
- A flexible, team-focused approach to working split shifts
- Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering (desirable, not essential)
If you’re looking for your next Chef role in Ashford, offering stability, development and sociable hours within a residential activity-centre setting, please apply now.
Locations
Chef in Ashford, Kent employer: Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
Contact Detail:
Platinum Recruitment Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Ashford, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs or industry contacts on social media. Join local culinary groups or forums where you can share experiences and learn about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider creating a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart when meeting potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Visit local restaurants or catering companies, introduce yourself, and express your interest in working with them. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities, including the Chef role in Ashford. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream job with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Ashford, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create delicious meals, especially in a high-volume setting like ours.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had as a Chef or cook, particularly in environments similar to ours. We want to know how your background makes you a great fit for our residential activity centre!
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since this role involves split shifts and a flexible schedule, be upfront about your availability. Let us know if you're open to live-in accommodation too, as it could make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing at the centre. Research nutritious recipes that cater to dietary requirements, as this will show your commitment to providing high-quality meals for children and staff.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, be ready to discuss your previous experiences working in a kitchen environment. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others to create a positive atmosphere and ensure smooth operations.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisation Skills
Prepare to talk about how you manage your workload, especially during busy periods. Highlight any strategies you use to stay organised and calm under pressure, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask About the Centre's Values
Engage with the interviewers by asking questions about the centre’s mission and values. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals, especially in creating a fun and purposeful environment.
