At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for children and young adults, ensuring high culinary standards.
- Company: Join a supportive charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time only hours, free parking, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a welcoming community with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact through food while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and knowledge of nutrition and food safety required.
The predicted salary is between 22249 - 23673 £ per year.
Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
Salary: £22,249 - £23,673 pro rata (£13.29 - £14.14)
Hours: 7:30am – 3:30pm, Monday - Friday (37.5 hours per week) Term Time Only (39 weeks per year)
Make a difference through great food. At St Elizabeth’s Centre, food is about much more than simply providing a meal. Our Catering Team plays an important role in the health, wellbeing and daily lives of the children, young people and adults we support. If you’re an experienced Chef who takes pride in producing great food, maintaining high standards and working as part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
About St Elizabeth’s Centre: St Elizabeth’s is a specialist charity supporting children, young people and adults with complex needs, including epilepsy, learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Set within the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, our unique site includes:
- Children’s Homes
- School, Sixth Form and College
- Community Hub
- Supported Living
- On-site therapy and nursing teams
You’ll become part of a welcoming, supportive community where your work directly contributes to the lives of the people we support.
About the Chef role: As a Chef at St Elizabeth’s, you’ll be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals for children, young adults, staff and visitors. You’ll need to combine excellent culinary skills with a strong understanding of nutrition, allergens and specialist dietary requirements, where every meal is prepared with care and attention to detail. You’ll also provide day-to-day guidance to members of the Catering Team and support the Chef Manager with the effective running of the catering department. This is a varied role where no two days are quite the same, and where your expertise can have a real impact on the wellbeing and quality of life of others.
What you’ll be doing:
- Preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals for children, young adults, staff and visitors, including specialist dietary requirements
- Supporting menu planning, stock control and the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Providing guidance to the Catering Team and deputising for the Chef Manager when required
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards
- Ensuring the kitchen is clean, safe, organised and compliant with all relevant regulations
What we’re looking for:
- An experienced chef with excellent culinary skills and experience in large-scale catering
- Knowledge of nutrition, allergens and specialist dietary requirements, including modified diets
- A strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and HACCP requirements
- Excellent organisation, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and under pressure
- A relevant Level 2 in Food Preparation and Food Safety qualification (or equivalent)
What we offer:
- Term-time only role – enjoy work-life balance with school holidays off
- Free on-site parking
- Fully funded DBS
- Contributory pension scheme with up to 6% employer contribution
- Blue Light Card eligibility
How to apply: Please apply via our website by completing an application form and uploading your CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
Safeguarding & Inclusion: St Elizabeth’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. We are proud to be an Investors in People and Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Join St Elizabeth’s and help create a positive workplace where people can thrive.
Chef in Much Hadham employer: St Elizabeth's
St Elizabeth’s College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with complex needs. Located in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, we provide our team with comprehensive training, ongoing development opportunities, and a range of benefits including wellbeing support and a contributory pension scheme. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values kindness, collaboration, and the meaningful impact of your work during every lunchtime.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Much Hadham
✨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 St Elizabeth's. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to St Elizabeth's
Don't be shy about reaching out to St Elizabeth's 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 Chef in Much Hadham
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 St Elizabeth's 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 St Elizabeth's
✨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!
