At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, creating seasonal menus for over 400 students daily.
- Company: Join Thomas Franks, a fresh food catering business focused on excellence and individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, enhanced leave, and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary creativity in a supportive environment with a focus on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and relevant cooking qualifications are essential.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 64000 £ per year.
Job Description
Executive Chef Manager Oxford Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £ 54,000 per annum
Hours: 40 per week
An independent boarding and day Pre-Prep and Prep school for boys aged 4 – 13 years situated in Summertown, Oxford. Catering for over 400 students and teachers daily. We offer a core feeding of Breakfast, lunch and Supper along with some hospitality. This is a 7 day a week operation so shift patterns tend to be 5 over 7 days.
Shift timings between 0630 – 2030
We are looking for a talented Executive Chef Manager to join our team at one of our prestigious locations in Oxford.
You will have previous experience of working within a fast-paced kitchen at Head Chef level (ideally within either contract catering – B&I or Independent Education).
You will be excited to work with fresh seasonal ingredients & regularly changing bespoke menus which YOU create! You will be creative and have the opportunity to showcase your skillset every day.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS (TASKS & RESPONSIBILTIES):
- To operate, monitor and control the Food Production and Service Production to ensure that the food is produced and presented to the highest possible standards, according to the stated Thomas Franks standards and all specified client requirements.
- Responsible for ensuring that the Thomas Franks Fresh Food standards are adhered to by all members of staff, making the best use of local, sustainably sourced and in-season produce at all times using the Company approved suppliers.
- Ensure that the menus are planned are devised for their nutritional value, making the best use of current food styles and customer expectations for daily service and any functions, hospitality or special events.
- Ensure the prompt service of all meals and service at all times to the company / clients standards. Restock and replenish stocks and consumables as required during service periods, pre-empt customer needs and achieve optimum customer service delivery.
- The Executive Head Chef must ensure that all production, storage and service areas and equipment are maintained in a hygienic and clean condition, demonstrating a thorough understanding of food safety and health and safety legislation on a daily basis. Practices are to be monitored and reviewed frequently to ensure standards are set and maintained effectively.
- Ensure that the preparation of all food for sale/service is to prepared within exemplary standards of hygiene and food safety, ensuring that all members of subordinate members of staff adhere to these procedures on health, safety and hygiene to at all times.
- Keep the Front of house informed of any food running out and pre-empt any delays in customer waiting.
- To assist in the preparation of planning menus, rotas, placing of orders.
- Ensure that the kitchen operates in line with current health & safety regulations.
- To attend meetings and training courses as required.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure attendance to all staff meetings as required.
- Ensure that all policies and procedural requirements of both legislation and company are adhered to in order to promote a professional and flexible approach at all times.
- To ensure personal presentation is of the highest standard at all times.
- Ensure all necessary checks are carried out in the service and associated areas for food temperatures.
- Carry out all reasonable request of the management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Team working abilities, Listening skills, the ability to work on own initiative, impeccable personal presentation, hygiene and behaviour to others, Food hygiene certificate preferred.
- The ability to be adaptable and be flexible as necessary. Reliable, Honest and able to demonstrate an open attentive approach to customer service.
- Willingness to learn new skills and take some responsibility.
Knowledge / competencies:
- Ability to demonstrate a good understanding and use of verbal English.
- Ability to demonstrate a good standard of written English and reading skills.
- Similar experience of customer and / or food preparation environment is essential.
- Hold a recognised cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
- Hold a level 3 food Hygiene qualification.
• Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc).
• Free meals on duty
• Volunteers leave – up to one day per year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Recommend a friend bonus.
• Unrivalled individual training and development.
• Well established apprenticeship programme.
• Team & company social events.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Workplace pension.
• Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.
About us
Thomas Franks is a founder led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people are paramount to our daily success.
Disclaimer
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role.
An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. As an organisation using the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure based on conviction or other information revealed. However, for any post in a school please be aware that any application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such any criminal conviction, caution or bind-over must be declared.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks
We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under-represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
Executive Chef Manager employer: Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers
Contact Detail:
Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the catering and education sectors. Attend local food festivals or culinary events in Oxford to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the industry. This can help you gain insights into what schools like ours are looking for in an Executive Chef Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current food trends and dietary requirements, especially those relevant to children and educational settings. Being knowledgeable about nutrition and how to create appealing menus for young students will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity by preparing a sample menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and caters to various dietary needs. This not only demonstrates your culinary skills but also your understanding of our commitment to fresh, sustainable food.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage kitchen teams effectively. Highlight any experience you have in training staff and maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety, as these are crucial in a school environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in fast-paced kitchen environments and any previous roles as a Head Chef. Emphasise your creativity with seasonal ingredients and bespoke menu creation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and catering, along with your understanding of the role's requirements. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your cooking qualifications, such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent, and your Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification. This will demonstrate your commitment to food safety and professionalism.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in a kitchen setting. Discuss your ability to maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety while managing staff effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
As an Executive Chef Manager, you'll be expected to create bespoke menus. Be prepared to discuss your previous menu creations and how you incorporate seasonal ingredients. Bring examples of your work or even a portfolio if possible.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team management. Highlight your experience in leading kitchen teams, training staff, and maintaining high standards. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Knowledge of food safety and hygiene is crucial. Be ready to discuss your understanding of health and safety legislation and how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications you hold.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling difficult situations, such as managing customer complaints or dealing with supply issues. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.