At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to create delicious meals and provide excellent service.
- Company: Thomas Franks, a leading independent catering business with a passion for fresh food.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, training opportunities, and great career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with social events and a focus on inclusion.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers wanting to develop their culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A genuine interest in food and customer service; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 28800 £ per year.
Location: Colchester, Essex
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £14.20 per hour
Hours: 37.5 per week, term‑time only (36 weeks, Monday to Friday)
Our co‑educational independent school caters to 200 students and teachers daily, offering a core feeding of lunch and a snack bar with hospitality throughout the year. We are looking for a talented Commis Chef to join our team at one of our prestigious locations in Colchester. If you are a current chef or want to train and develop to become a chef by joining our chefs academy then please apply today.
Key Responsibilities- To work well in a team, providing breakfast, lunch & hospitality.
- To produce food for service using fresh ingredients, cooking from scratch and following the companies brand standards.
- Ensuring company food standards are adhered to and waste management controlled.
- Ensuring all Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies and allergen control procedures are followed.
- Experience of pot wash duties would be an advantage.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Great team player.
- This role involves all aspects of the kitchen including preparation, deliveries, cleaning, serving and washing up.
- A genuine interest in food & excellent customer service.
- An all-round team player.
- Innovation and passion for great food.
- An organised person with attention to detail.
- Happy to undertake all aspects of the kitchen including deliveries, preparation, cleaning, serving and washing up.
- Ability to demonstrate good understanding and use of verbal English.
- Ability to demonstrate good standard of written English and reading skills.
- Similar experience of customer and / or food preparation environment is essential.
- Strong knowledge of Natasha's Law and Allergen Control.
- 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 focused on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style.
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.
Commis Chef in Colchester employer: Thomas Franks Ltd
At Thomas Franks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values individuality and passion for food. Located in Colchester, our independent school environment provides unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, including unrivalled training programmes and career progression within the catering industry. With benefits such as free meals on duty, a cycle to work scheme, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, joining our team as a Commis Chef means becoming part of a supportive community dedicated to excellence in service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thomas Franks. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you're aiming for that Commis Chef role, make sure you can whip up some dishes from scratch. Maybe even bring a sample to your interview to showcase your culinary flair. It’s a great way to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! Since this role is all about working well with others, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate and support your teammates in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences or moments that sparked your interest in cooking. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating delicious meals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Commis Chef. Mention any relevant experience in food preparation or customer service that makes you a great fit for our team.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly and easily, making it easier for us to see why you’d be a great addition to our kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the fresh ingredients you'll be working with. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them using these ingredients. This shows your genuine interest in food and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
As a Commis Chef, teamwork is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before, whether in a kitchen or another setting. Highlight your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Brush Up on Food Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure you're up to speed on food hygiene standards, including Natasha's Law and allergen control. Be prepared to answer questions about these topics, as they are essential for the role. Showing that you take food safety seriously will impress your interviewers.
✨Bring Your Passion to the Table
Let your passion for cooking shine through during the interview. Share stories about your culinary journey, what inspires you, and any innovative ideas you have for menu items. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
