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- Tasks: Lead a team to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for young people in an educational setting.
- Company: Join a passionate catering team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy sociable hours, a healthy work-life balance, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young people's lives through wholesome food in a beautiful countryside setting.
- Qualifications: Experience cooking for large groups and NVQ Level 2 in Catering preferred.
- Other info: Permanent contract with a salary of up to £30,000 per year.
Location: Cranleigh, Surrey
Salary: Up to £30,000 per year (dependent on experience)
Hours: 36 per week | Monday to Friday | Between 7am – 7pm
Contract: Permanent
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Chef to join a catering team in an educational setting in the heart of the Surrey countryside. This is more than just a kitchen job — it’s a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and young people by providing fresh & nourishing meals. Catering for groups of up to 220 young people at a time, you’ll lead a small team to deliver high-quality meals.
What you’ll be doing:
- Prepare and cook meals from fresh, raw ingredients with attention to special diets, allergies, and cultural needs.
- Supervise and support a catering team of six during each meal service.
- Organise cover when needed, manage staff timekeeping, and step up during absences to keep things running smoothly.
- Uphold excellent kitchen hygiene and contribute to maintaining a 5-star food safety rating.
- Record fridge/freezer temperatures, maintain a daily kitchen log, and ensure equipment and workspaces are safe and clean.
- Work collaboratively with other departments and group leaders to deliver a seamless mealtime experience.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience cooking for large groups — ideally 200+ covers.
- Solid understanding of food allergies, intolerances, and dietary needs.
- Team player with a flexible, hands-on attitude and calm under pressure.
- Creative with meal planning, and passionate about wholesome, child-friendly food.
- NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Catering preferable, plus intermediate food hygiene certification.
- Friendly, approachable, and committed to creating a positive mealtime environment.
Why apply?
- Be part of a purpose-driven environment where your food helps young people thrive.
- Enjoy sociable weekday hours with a healthy work-life balance.
- Work in a unique, natural setting alongside a passionate and supportive team.
- Make a lasting impact — one plate at a time.
Chef employer: Talented People
Contact Detail:
Talented People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and allergies that are common in educational settings. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing safe and nutritious meals for young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in cooking for large groups by preparing examples of past menus or meal plans you've created. Being able to discuss your approach to meal planning and how you cater to various dietary requirements will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage a team effectively. Be ready to share specific instances where you've successfully led a kitchen team, especially during busy service times, to illustrate your capability in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's values and mission, particularly their focus on creating a positive mealtime environment. Tailor your conversation during the interview to reflect how your personal values align with theirs, showing that you're not just looking for a job, but a meaningful opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in cooking for large groups and any specific dietary knowledge. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet their requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and working with young people. Mention your experience in managing a team and how you ensure food safety and hygiene standards.
Showcase Your Creativity: Include examples of meal planning or special dishes you've created that cater to various dietary needs. This will help illustrate your creativity and commitment to wholesome food.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talented People
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and how it can positively impact young people's lives. Share any personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for creating nourishing meals.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a kitchen environment, especially during busy service times.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Dietary Needs
Given the importance of catering to various dietary requirements, be ready to talk about your experience with food allergies and special diets. Mention any specific instances where you adapted meals to meet these needs.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Standards
The role requires maintaining high hygiene standards, so be sure to discuss your understanding of food safety regulations. Bring up any relevant certifications you hold and how you ensure a clean and safe kitchen environment.
