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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team to create delicious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join the culinary team at Durham University, known for its commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering exceptional food and service to a large community.
- Qualifications: Experience in a high-paced kitchen environment and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 37694 £ per year.
The Senior Head Chef will be responsible for supervising a large kitchen team which produces three meals per day for up to 600 students and staff. The post holder will be responsible for catering for high profile clientele, private dining external functions and banqueting. The Head Chef must be able to develop existing teams to ensure that consistently exceptional standard of food and service is delivered.
The post holder will also assist with day to day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, checking and signing for deliveries. Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift. The post holder will be required to work flexibly across all catering areas.
In addition to a highly competitive salary and rewards package, our strategic focus includes ongoing development opportunities for our people. Join us today and shape your career at Durham University!
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.
What you are required to submit:
- A CV
- A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Senior Head Chef in Durham employer: University of Durham
Contact Detail:
University of Durham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, culinary schools, or even local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any events you've catered. A visual representation of your talent can really make you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the institution's dining style and menu. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially when it comes to catering for large groups.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your culinary experience, especially in managing teams and catering for large events. We want to see how you've led kitchens before, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Personalise Your Covering Letter: This is your chance to shine! Tailor your covering letter to reflect how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with the role of Senior Head Chef. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about this role! Whether it's your love for creating exceptional dishes or leading a dynamic kitchen team, we want to feel your enthusiasm through your application. It makes a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: We prefer applications through our website, so make sure you submit your CV and covering letter there. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, keep an eye on your inbox for updates from our e-recruitment system!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Durham
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Senior Head Chef, you’ll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Make sure you’re familiar with the menu and can discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you would adapt meals for different dietary requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You’ll be supervising a large kitchen team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you’ve developed teams in the past and how you handle conflicts or challenges in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires a flexible approach to working across various catering areas. Be ready to discuss times when you’ve had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or take on different roles within a team.
✨Highlight Your Experience with High-Profile Events
Since you’ll be catering for high-profile clientele and private dining functions, share specific examples of events you’ve managed. Discuss how you ensured exceptional standards of food and service were maintained under pressure.