At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, creating exciting menus with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Company: Join Thomas Franks, a unique catering business focused on excellence and individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, enhanced leave, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values growth and inclusion.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills in a prestigious school environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and a passion for food safety and hygiene.
The predicted salary is between 36800 - 49200 € per year.
Salary: 43000
Hours: 45 per week
An independent day preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13 in Surbiton, Greater London. Catering for a total of 400 students and teachers for lunch daily. There is a good amount of hospitality through the year. This is a term-time only contract, working 40 weeks and operating Monday to Friday.
We are looking for a talented Executive Chef Manager to join our team at one of our prestigious locations in Surbiton.
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.
Benefits
- 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.
Thomas Franks - Executive Chef Manager TERM TIME ONLY in Surbiton employer: Thomas Franks Ltd
At Thomas Franks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and individuality. As an Executive Chef Manager in Surbiton, you will enjoy the unique opportunity to craft bespoke menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients while benefiting from a supportive environment that promotes professional growth through unrivalled training and development programmes. With additional perks such as free meals on duty, enhanced leave policies, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Thomas Franks - Executive Chef Manager TERM TIME ONLY in Surbiton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your moment to shine and showcase your creativity with fresh seasonal ingredients. Plus, it gives the employer a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or catering companies you’re interested in. Express your passion for food and education, and let them know you’re keen to join their team. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure your application stands out by highlighting your experience in fast-paced kitchens and your commitment to high standards. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Thomas Franks - Executive Chef Manager TERM TIME ONLY in Surbiton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience in fast-paced kitchens, especially at Head Chef level. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and bespoke menus!
Be Creative with Your Application:Don’t just list your skills; show us how you can bring creativity to the role! Share examples of unique dishes or menus you've created that reflect your culinary style and passion.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Take a moment to tailor your CV and cover letter to match our job description. Use keywords from the posting to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in your menus. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would incorporate fresh produce into the school’s offerings.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare a few menu ideas that reflect your culinary style and creativity. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also show that you're excited about the opportunity to create bespoke menus for the students.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food hygiene and safety regulations, as these are crucial in a school environment. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain high standards in your kitchen.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen team and how you foster a collaborative environment. Share examples of how you've successfully managed staff and ensured excellent service delivery.