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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create delicious, fresh dishes from around the world.
- Company: Join Wilson Vale, a vibrant cafe with a commitment to quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, competitive pay, and unique perks like your birthday off!
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values craft, quality, and innovation in food.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium hospitality and a love for exceptional service are essential.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career development and a supportive, fun working environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to become our new Head Chef at a vibrant cafe in the heart of Cambridge, CB2 1SU. We are a fresh food led operation that is open 7 days a week. As our Head Chef you will be required to run the kitchen operations, being assisted by our pastry chef. We pride ourselves on the high quality of our offer with a core daily menu and an addition of weekly specials that can be tailored to the seasons. A fresh food background and ability to cook a variety of cuisines from around the world is essential. We also place a strong emphasis on guest interaction during service, so you must be personable, approachable, and well-presented.
This is a permanent position working 40 hours per week on a rota basis. Shifts will be based around a 5 over 7 working week. Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.
Our culture unites us. We stand for craft, quality, creative freedom, forward thinking and integrity. We never compromise on our commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and the fantastic people that make it all happen! We welcome up to 120 guests each day, serving a vibrant menu of freshly prepared dishes, from deep-filled focaccia, bagels, and wraps to our much-loved homemade sausage rolls, daily soups, and loaded jacket potatoes. Every dish is made from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and our handcrafted desserts have become a favourite among regulars. Alongside our busy daily service, we also host private events, offering bespoke buffets and elegant canapé receptions in our unique café setting.
Key Responsibilities- Cater to the needs of all customers
- Demonstrate responsibility, dedication, and strong leadership skills, with the ability to effectively manage a team of talented chefs
- Deliver consistent food standards following the Wilson Vale brand standards
- Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative food from around the world to all customers
- Responsible for food safety, hygiene and Health and Safety both in practice and keeping relevant records
- Allergy reporting and responsibility for sign-posting to customers
- Budgeting, ordering, stock taking
- Provide supportive and professional training and development for your team
As our Head Chef you will join and head up a talented team and will deputise in the General Manager’s absence. You will be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all dishes. You must be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to manage a team across all service(s). You will be able support the General Manager in training and developing the team. You will also be responsible for delivering consistent food standards following both the Wilson Vale brand standards and also adding that additional flair to our service(s). You will need fresh and current menu ideas and must be able to show flare in your work.
Skills and Experience- Love food, and love working in a team
- Positive attitude
- Have good customer service skills and strong communication skills
- Be able to work in a high-pressured environment
- Strong premium hospitality experience in another venue
- Local knowledge and experience working in the area
- A passion for exceptional service is essential
- Strong understanding of service styles, food trends
- Innovation and creativity
- A passion for training and development
- Exceptional presentation skills
- Articulate and very well organised
- Proactive and reliable
Craft at our core - we pride ourselves on our craft-skilled chefs who create wonderful fresh food from scratch. It’s all about the food - the menu is the most important document our chefs write every week. Quality, seasonal ingredients - 300+ British suppliers and our chefs can source locally. Freedom to create - our teams love to cook up exciting food themes and pop-ups to keep the food fun. Support like no other - our business was founded by family and we have stayed true to those same family values of nurturing development, protecting our values and building trust and loyalty. Making food that not only tastes great but is good for the planet. We have always had a strong environmental ethos and are dedicated to our social and environmental commitments. We believe in tailored training and opportunities to build your career with us.
Wilson Vale Perks- Our working hours are some of the best you'll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance
- Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities
- Craft Works - Free craft-focused career development training programme
- Paid training bespoke to you
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme- your wellbeing is very important to us
- Online employee benefits scheme - monetary savings on everyday items!
- Your Birthday off every year after 1 years’ service
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams - everyone has a voice.
Head Chef in Cambridge employer: Wilson Vale
Contact Detail:
Wilson Vale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your area. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary flair. This not only gives you a chance to demonstrate your cooking abilities but also helps you build a personal brand that stands out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or cafes you admire, like Wilson Vale, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence fresh! Update your LinkedIn profile and any culinary portfolios you have. Share your latest creations, experiences, and even your thoughts on food trends. This shows potential employers that you’re engaged and passionate about your craft.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and diverse cuisines. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys creating delicious dishes.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've managed teams before and how you foster a positive kitchen environment. We value strong leaders!
Be Personable and Approachable: Since guest interaction is key, don’t forget to mention your customer service skills. Show us how you connect with guests and create a welcoming atmosphere. A friendly chef is a happy chef, and we want to see that in your application!
Tailor Your Application to Us: Make sure your application reflects our values at Wilson Vale. Talk about your commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability. We love seeing candidates who align with our ethos, so don’t hold back on showing how you fit into our culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson Vale
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes Wilson Vale serves. Be ready to discuss your ideas for seasonal specials and how you can bring your own flair to their menu. This shows your passion for food and creativity!
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to manage a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen before, handled conflicts, or trained staff. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you’re the right fit for their culture.
✨Emphasise Customer Interaction
Wilson Vale values guest interaction, so be prepared to talk about your approach to customer service. Share experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for guests, as this will show you understand the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety, hygiene, and managing kitchen operations. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure high standards in these areas. This will show that you take your responsibilities seriously.
