At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a catering team to create nutritious meals that support wellbeing and dignity.
- Company: Join Serco, a top global employer making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and access to over 1,100 training courses.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on people's lives through food in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: Quadrant House, Coventry City Centre, CV1 2
Schedule: Permanent, Full Time: 4 on 4 off shift rota including weekends, 7am-7pm shifts
Salary: £29,000 per annum + excellent benefits
This could be a great next career move if you're currently a chef manager, cook, chef, head chef, cook supervisor, senior cook, kitchen manager, or catering manager, looking for new responsibilities and a role where your work makes a real difference for people at a very challenging point in their lives.
As a Head Cook at Quadrant House, you'll be part of our Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contract (AASC) for the Midlands and East of England. You’ll play a key part in creating a positive, respectful environment where food supports wellbeing, dignity, and care. From planning menus to leading a catering team, your contribution will have real purpose – helping us create a positive impact on communities and the individuals we support.
You'll lead the delivery of high-quality catering services that support people in a vital, people-centred environment. Your work will ensure safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate meals are provided every day.
What you’ll do as a Head Cook
- Lead the delivery of catering services in line with food safety, health and safety, and operational standards
- Plan menus and manage food ordering, ensuring cost control and budget adherence
- Prepare and oversee the provision of varied, nutritious meals, including special diets and culturally appropriate options
- Supervise and support kitchen colleagues, providing training and maintaining high standards
- Maintain accurate records to meet HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), food hygiene, and company requirements
- Carry out quality checks and respond to feedback or complaints to continually improve service delivery
Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
- Level 3 Food Safety and Level 3 HACCP qualifications, plus Level 2 Allergens in Catering
- Experience in a large-scale catering environment, ideally with at least three years in a similar role
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to support and motivate a team
- Excellent organisation and time management, with a proactive approach to problem-solving
- A commitment to working in a diverse, people-centred environment with care and respect
Vetting and checks
This role requires BPSS clearance, which involves identity verification, employment history, and criminal record checks to meet government security standards. An Occupational Health Questionnaire will also be required to ensure we can offer appropriate support for your wellbeing and performance.
What we offer
- 25 days plus bank holidays
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
- Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, a top Great British Employer of Veterans, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
Head Cook / Head Chef employer: Serco
Serco is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a Ward Host Assistant at University Hospital Southampton, you will enjoy flexible shift options and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care, all while being part of a team that values hospitality and customer service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook / Head Chef
✨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 Serco. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Serco
Don't be shy about reaching out to Serco 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 Cook / Head Chef
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 Serco 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 Serco
✨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!
