At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant school kitchen, creating delicious meals and managing a passionate catering team.
- Company: Join a supportive educational setting focused on nourishing students and staff.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and a creative environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to grow your career in a dynamic school environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through nutritious food and culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef or in catering management with strong cooking skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
Deputy Catering Manager / Head Chef – Education
Location
Smethwick, West Midlands
Salary
Contract
Full-time – Term Time + 3 Weeks
Start Date
ASAP
Are you a talented Chef with leadership experience who is ready to take the next step in your catering career?
Smile Education is recruiting for a fantastic opportunity within a well-established educational setting in Smethwick.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Deputy Catering Manager / Head Chef to support the management and delivery of a busy school catering service.
This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate food professional who enjoys being hands‑on in the kitchen, developing menus, supporting a catering team and delivering delicious, nutritious meals to students and staff.
Whether you're currently a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Senior Chef or Deputy Catering Manager, we'd love to hear from you!
The Role – What Will You Be Doing?
Working closely with the Catering Manager, you will play an important role in the daily running of the kitchen and catering operation.
Your responsibilities will include
- Supporting the day-to-day management and smooth running of the school kitchen.
- Taking a hands‑on role in preparing, cooking and presenting high-quality meals.
- Helping develop exciting, nutritious and varied menus that appeal to students.
- Supporting and supervising catering staff, ensuring workloads are organised effectively.
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards throughout the kitchen.
- Monitoring food quality, portion control and presentation.
- Assisting with stock control, ordering ingredients and minimising food wastage.
- Ensuring dietary requirements and food allergies are carefully managed.
- Supporting catering provision for school events, meetings and additional activities.
- Helping motivate, train and develop the wider catering team.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience working as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Senior Chef or within a catering management position.
- Strong practical cooking skills and a passion for producing quality food.
- Experience working in a busy, high-volume kitchen environment.
- Previous experience supporting or supervising a team.
- Good knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety and allergen requirements.
- The ability to organise kitchen operations and work effectively under pressure.
- A positive, hands‑on approach with excellent communication skills.
- Someone who takes pride in their work and enjoys creating a positive dining experience.
Experience within school, college, healthcare or contract catering would be advantageous, although candidates from hospitality and restaurant backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary, proposed at £28,000–£30,000 per annum.
- A rewarding opportunity within an education setting.
- The chance to develop your leadership and management experience.
- The opportunity to bring creativity to menus and food preparation.
- A supportive team environment.
- An ASAP start for the right candidate.
If you're a passionate Chef looking for a new opportunity where you can combine your culinary skills with team leadership, we'd love to hear from you!
Smile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks.
SM1LES
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
Deputy Catering Manager / Head Chef in Smethwick employer: Smile Education
Smile Education is an excellent employer for Qualified Primary Teachers, offering a supportive and flexible work environment across multiple primary schools in Burton upon Trent. With a focus on work-life balance, we provide opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that our teachers feel valued and empowered in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and dynamic educational community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Catering Manager / Head Chef in Smethwick
✨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 Smile Education. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Smile Education
Don't be shy about reaching out to Smile Education 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 Deputy Catering Manager / Head Chef in Smethwick
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 Smile Education 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 Smile Education
✨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!
