At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate catering team and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join George Heriot's School, a community-focused institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, generous pension, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and team management is essential.
George Heriot's School is seeking a Head Chef to lead the catering team, food production, kitchen and front of house management, and direct communication with staff at the senior and junior schools. The role is also responsible for the Refectory and the senior S6 cafe. The Head Chef will ensure all catering services are delivered timely and to the highest professional standards in line with the ethos and standards of George Heriot’s School. The Head Chef reports directly to our Catering and Hospitality Management and will ensure that catering is delivered to an exceptional standard.
The successful candidate will be motivated by a passion for quality and great service delivery and hold a positive attitude towards young people, their parents, and teachers.
Main Responsibilities:Please see attached Job Description for full duties.
Ideal Candidate:- Previous experience in hospitality essential, preferably within schools but not essential
- Experience of all areas of food delivery, including events
- Experience of team management at Head of Department level
- Experience of collaborative working across numerous departments and external stakeholders
- A strong understanding of cost management and budgets
- Experience of all aspects of people management, including recruitment, performance management, and training
- Good IT skills
- Hard-working; a good role model; a key team member
- Catering NVQ level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706 - 1 & 2 or equivalent
- Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3
- Allergen Awareness Level 2
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme. Please note that parking is not available on our campus.
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Package Description:When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of the school - distributing kindness, support, and generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school. Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here, and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people.
This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for Support Staff, in addition to basic salary, includes:
- Enhanced holiday allowance (38 days minimum)
- Generous pension scheme (up to 11% employer contribution with 5% employee contribution)
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos.
Head Chef in Stockbridge employer: Teacheroo
At George Heriot's School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of every team member. Our supportive work culture fosters a sense of community, where staff enjoy enhanced holiday allowances, generous pension schemes, and opportunities for professional development. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, our Head Chef will play a vital role in delivering high-quality catering services while being part of a motivated and happy workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Stockbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a demo for potential employers. This is a great way to showcase your passion for quality and service delivery, which is key for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to George Heriot's School. Express your interest in the Head Chef position and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest experiences and achievements in catering. Make sure it reflects your passion for working with young people and your commitment to high standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Stockbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for quality food and service shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to lead a team and create exceptional dining experiences for our students and staff.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in hospitality, especially any roles where you've managed teams or worked in schools. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.
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 at George Heriot's School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and catering services that George Heriot's School offers. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance their menu and cater to the diverse needs of students and staff.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and communication. Highlight any experience you have in training and mentoring staff, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality
Express your enthusiasm for high-quality food and service delivery. Share specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure exceptional standards in your previous roles. This will show that you align with the ethos of George Heriot’s School.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations, such as managing budgets or dealing with dietary restrictions. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
