At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team to create delicious meals for 1,500 pupils and staff.
- Company: Join a vibrant school community dedicated to high-quality food service.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for additional shifts and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through nutritious, home-cooked 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 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 - High-Volume School Catering Leader employer: St George's School
Join our vibrant Catering team as a Head Chef, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, home-cooked meals to a large community of pupils and staff. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through ongoing training and professional development, alongside generous benefits such as free lunches, access to fitness facilities, and a robust pension scheme. Located within a dynamic school environment, this position offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our students while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule during term time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - High-Volume School Catering Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in high-volume settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience with managing a team and delivering quality meals under pressure. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for school catering! When you get the chance, share your ideas on how to improve meal offerings or engage with the pupils. It’ll show you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨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 directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - High-Volume School Catering Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant training and experience in high-volume catering. We want to see how you've managed large teams and delivered quality meals, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing for the pupils and staff. Be ready to discuss your approach to high-volume catering and how you ensure quality and nutrition in every dish.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Line management experience is crucial for this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure environment. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key 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 create a positive dining experience.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
In a busy kitchen, things don’t always go as planned. Think of instances where you've had to think on your feet to resolve issues. Highlight your proactive approach and how you maintain calm under pressure while ensuring service runs smoothly.
