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- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, prepare and serve diverse school meals, and manage staff effectively.
- Company: Join Tower Hamlets' in-house catering team, serving 63 schools with passion and energy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a term-time only contract with flexible hours and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a vibrant community, promoting healthy eating and positive client relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in school catering and team management is essential; strong cooking skills are a must.
- Other info: Work across various school locations, contributing to a dynamic and innovative council vision.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Contract Catering Services is the in-house school catering provider for Tower Hamlets, operating in 63 sites. We are seeking a Head of Kitchens with experience in school catering services and have worked in multi-site kitchens for a local authority or private sector company. You should have experience managing a team of staff and ensuring the delivery of school meals and service meets customer expectations, resulting in positive client relationships. You are at the heart of our catering operation. We are looking for individuals who share our energy and passion and will contribute to our excellent school meals service. You should demonstrate competent cooking skills, be flexible, and able to lead a team.
Who are we looking for?
- The ideal candidate must have school contract catering experience and experience managing staff.
- Use good judgment and demonstrate resourcefulness and assertiveness.
- Be honest and open.
- Responsive, flexible, self-motivated, and team-driven.
- Methodical and highly organized with the ability to work on your own initiative.
- Build and create good working relationships with clients.
What will you be doing as a Head of Kitchen?
You will prepare, cook, and serve school meals, including a wide variety of ethnic and cultural foods, with full knowledge of government standards for school food, allergen legislation, and adherence to Food/Health & Safety requirements. You will manage the day-to-day duties of the kitchen staff, including preparing effective work rotas, meal production, ordering food and cleaning materials, and completing a daily kitchen log. You will ensure standards meet or exceed all current legislation and Contract Catering Services policies and procedures. You may be required to work in different school locations depending on service needs.
Tower Hamlets' vision for our borough is that: people are aspirational, independent, and have equal access to opportunities; we are a borough that our residents are proud of and love to live in; and we are a dynamic, outcomes-based council using digital innovation and partnership working to respond to the changing needs of our borough. We want people who aspire to our TOWER values: Together; Open; Willing; Excellent; Respect.
Head of Kitchen | R-2874 employer: Tower Hamlets Partnership
Contact Detail:
Tower Hamlets Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Kitchen | R-2874
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of school catering services in Tower Hamlets. Understanding local regulations and standards will show your commitment and readiness to meet the expectations of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the school catering industry, especially those who have experience in multi-site operations. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to motivate and organise staff will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for providing excellent school meals by discussing any innovative ideas or initiatives you've implemented in past positions. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also enthusiastic about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Kitchen | R-2874
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Kitchen position. Highlight your relevant experience in school catering and managing multi-site kitchens.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in school contract catering and team management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your cooking skills, leadership abilities, and adherence to food safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for school meals service and your alignment with the TOWER values. Mention how your experience can contribute to positive client relationships and the overall success of the catering operation.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your resourcefulness, flexibility, and organisational skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff and maintained high standards in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tower Hamlets Partnership
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in school catering services and managing multi-site kitchens. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led a team and met customer expectations.
✨Demonstrate Your Cooking Skills
Since the role involves preparing a variety of meals, be ready to talk about your cooking skills. You might even want to mention any special dishes you can prepare that reflect cultural diversity, as this is important for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
Discuss your approach to team management and how you motivate staff. Share examples of how you've built good working relationships with your team and clients, showcasing your ability to lead effectively.
✨Align with TOWER Values
Familiarise yourself with the TOWER values: Together, Open, Willing, Excellent, Respect. During the interview, demonstrate how your personal values align with these principles and how you embody them in your work.
