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- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for children and staff in a fun outdoor activity centre.
- Company: Join a vibrant residential activity centre near Ashford, Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £31,230 salary, generous holidays, and live-in accommodation 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 knowledge of food safety is preferred.
- Other info: Ongoing training, career development, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Chef role in Ashford with £31,230 salary and excellent benefits. Please double check you have the right level of experience and qualifications by reading the full overview of this opportunity below.
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
- 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
- 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.
Chef in Ashford 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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, take a stroll around the centre if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! Bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a few photos of meals you've prepared. This gives them a taste of what you can bring to the table—literally!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical test! They might ask you to whip up a dish on the spot. Brush up on your cooking skills and be prepared to showcase your ability to handle high-volume catering under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about the team dynamics, menu planning, or how they cater to dietary needs. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to creating a positive dining experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Show Off Your Experience: When writing your application, highlight your previous experience as a Chef or cook in high-volume settings. We love seeing specific examples of how you've catered for large groups and managed dietary requirements.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Let your personality shine through, but ensure it reflects your passion for cooking and teamwork in a residential setting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you'll have access to all the information you need about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially regarding food hygiene and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you handle allergen control and maintain high standards in a busy kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role is all about teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Highlight any experiences where you’ve supported your team during busy shifts or helped improve kitchen operations.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since the job involves split shifts, it’s crucial to show that you can adapt to different working hours. Share instances where you’ve successfully managed your time and workload under pressure, ensuring that meals are served on time.
✨Bring Your Passion for Cooking
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through during the interview. Talk about what excites you about preparing meals for children and how you create nutritious, enjoyable dishes that cater to various dietary needs.
