At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create delicious, home-cooked meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join a vibrant school catering team dedicated to quality and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through your culinary skills.
- 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 oversee 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.
Qualifications
- Relevant training and certificates in catering
- Experience of high-volume catering at a high standard
- Line management experience of at least a team of 10 staff
- Strong communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders
- Proactive with strong problem‑solving skills
Contract Information
- 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 (6:30 am – 3:00 pm) and afternoon shift (11:00 am – 7:30 pm)
- Weekend shift: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Expectation to work one week in three evenings and one weekend in three, depending on business needs
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 the interview stage will then be invited to complete a practical assessment within the catering environment to further demonstrate their skills, knowledge and suitability for the role.
Benefits
- Additional training and support
- Ongoing professional development
- Free lunch on working days
- Free parking on school site
- Generous pension scheme
- Use of the school’s fitness suite/gym
- Staff wellbeing programme
- Employee assistance programme
- Exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers
Head Chef 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. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth through ongoing professional development and training opportunities, while also offering generous benefits such as free lunches, access to fitness facilities, and a comprehensive wellbeing programme. Located at St George’s School, this position not only provides a rewarding career but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its catering needs! Research their menu, understand their values, and think about how you can bring your unique flair to their kitchen. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on showcasing your experience in high-volume catering and your ability to manage a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the practical assessment by honing your cooking skills! Make sure you're comfortable with preparing meals for large groups and can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant training and experience in high-volume catering. We want to see how you've managed teams and delivered quality meals before, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and tailor your application to match. Use similar language and keywords that we’ve used, as it shows you understand what we're looking for and how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Make sure to include all the necessary details without rambling on too much!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at St George's School
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to impress with your culinary knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing for the pupils and staff. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating nutritious, home-cooked meals that cater to a large volume while maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Line management experience is key for this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure kitchen environment. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential when working with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and collaborate with others to ensure smooth operations in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
In a busy catering environment, problems can arise at any moment. Think of examples where you've had to think on your feet and resolve issues quickly. Highlight your proactive approach and how it has positively impacted your previous workplaces.
