At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create high-quality meals for a prestigious corporate environment.
- Company: Join a leading contract catering operation at Granta Park, Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent work-life balance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on innovation and team development.
- Why this job: Make an impact by delivering exceptional food experiences in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Evolve Hospitality is recruiting on behalf of a leading contract catering operation based at Granta Park, Cambridge. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy and diverse food service operation within a prestigious corporate environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing a well-established kitchen team and delivering high-quality food across multiple service streams, including staff dining, hospitality, events, grab-and-go retail, and in-house bakery production.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and service standards. You will lead a team of six, including:
- Sous Chef
- Commis Chef
- Three General Assistants
- Kitchen Porter
The operation serves approximately 150–200 main meals daily within the primary restaurant facility, alongside a further 30–40 meals across satellite locations throughout the park. Additional services include hospitality catering, corporate events, grab-and-go offerings, a coffee bar, and fresh bakery production.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team
- Manage food production across all service areas
- Maintain exceptional food quality and presentation standards
- Oversee ordering, stock control, and food cost management
- Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations
- Support the delivery of hospitality and event catering
- Manage rotas, staffing levels, and kitchen administration
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the food offering
About You
- Previous experience as a Head Chef within a high-volume catering, hospitality, or corporate dining environment
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing kitchen teams
- Excellent organisational and communication abilities
- Commercially aware with experience managing food costs and kitchen budgets
- Passionate about delivering high-quality fresh food and excellent customer experiences
- Comfortable operating within a fast-paced and varied food service environment
This role is ideally suited to an established Head Chef. Applications from Sous Chefs looking to step up will only be considered where there is clear evidence of successfully leading teams and managing kitchen operations at a similar scale.
What's on Offer?
- £45,000 salary
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- Excellent work-life balance
- Opportunity to lead a diverse and dynamic catering operation
- Supportive and professional working environment
- Long-term career development opportunities
Head Chef in Cambridge employer: The Evolve Group
Enhance Catering is an excellent employer for Catering Assistants, offering industry-leading pay rates and total flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to choose when and where you work. With a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and customer service, employees benefit from exclusive discounts, free access to industry qualifications, and the opportunity to grow within a dynamic environment. Join us to be part of a friendly kitchen team that values your contributions and provides a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Cambridge
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Evolve Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Evolve Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Evolve Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Evolve Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Evolve Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
