At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious, fresh meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join a vibrant school catering team with a focus on quality and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, generous pension, and access to fitness facilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37095 - 39531 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to join our Catering team. This is a permanent, full-time position of 37 hours per week, across 42 weeks of the year (term time plus four weeks). The post holder is expected to work a rotating shift pattern, involving weekday morning and afternoon shifts, and weekend shifts.
Reporting to the Catering Manager, you will be overseeing the preparation and delivery of fresh, home-cooked meals for approximately 1,500 pupils and staff, as well as a boarding community of around 120 boarders.
The successful candidate should:
- Have relevant training and certificates in catering
- Have experience of high volume catering to a high standard
- Have line management experience of at least a team of 10 staff
- Demonstrate good communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders
- Be proactive with strong problem-solving skills
Contract: Full-time, Permanent contract
Grade: H9 (Full-time equivalent salary: £39,152 to £41,771 per year, plus outer fringe allowance of £729 per annum)
Actual Salary: £37,095 to £39,531 per annum (inclusive of outer fringe) based on a Term time plus 4 weeks (42 weeks) contract, with opportunity to work additional hours.
Hours: 37 hours per week with a rotating shift pattern. Working across 42 weeks of the year, with opportunity to work additional hours.
Weekday shifts: include morning shift (6:30am - 3:00pm) and afternoon shift (11:00am - 7:30pm).
Weekend shift: 10:00am - 7:00pm. Expectation to work one week in three of evenings and one weekend in three, depending on business needs.
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner) - subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Selection Process: The selection process will consist of two stages. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at St George's School. Candidates who are successful at interview stage will then be invited to complete a practical assessment within the catering environment to further demonstrate your skills, knowledge and suitability for the role.
We can offer:
- Additional training and support
- Ongoing professional development
- Free Lunch on working days
- Free parking on school site
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Use of the schools fitness suite/Gym
- Staff Wellbeing Programme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers
As a permanent member of staff you benefit from the application being favourably ranked if you apply for a day admission place for your child at St Georges school, subject to meeting the requirements of our published Admissions Criteria and Policy.
Head Chef in Watford employer: St George s School
Join our vibrant Catering team as a Head Chef, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering fresh, home-cooked meals to a diverse community of pupils and staff. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through ongoing professional development and training opportunities. With benefits such as free lunches, generous pension schemes, and access to fitness facilities, working at St George's School not only offers a rewarding career but also a fulfilling lifestyle in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its catering needs! Research St George's School, their values, and what they offer. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since there's a practical assessment involved, make sure you're ready to whip up some delicious meals under pressure. Try recreating dishes that are popular with kids and staff alike to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your leadership skills! As you'll be managing a team of at least 10 staff, think about how you can motivate and support them. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant training and experience in catering. We want to see how you've managed high-volume catering before, so don’t hold back on those details!
Communicate Clearly:Good communication is key in this role. When writing your application, use clear and concise language to demonstrate your ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
Be Proactive:We love candidates who show initiative! Share examples of how you've tackled problems in the past and what proactive steps you took to resolve them.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at St George s School
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research the school’s catering style and think about how you can contribute to it. Be ready to discuss your ideas for fresh, home-cooked meals that cater to a large number of pupils and staff.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you’ll be managing a team of at least 10 staff. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you resolved them, demonstrating your proactive problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Good communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing your experience with stakeholders. Be prepared to explain how you would handle feedback from both staff and students, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
✨Prepare for the Practical Assessment
Since there’s a practical assessment as part of the selection process, brush up on your cooking techniques and time management skills. Think about how you can showcase your ability to prepare meals efficiently while maintaining high standards. Consider bringing a portfolio of your previous work to discuss during the interview.
