At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning seasonal menus and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Wilson Vale, a quality-led contract caterer with a focus on fresh food.
- Benefits: Work-life balance, competitive pay, free training, and your birthday off!
- Other info: Fun, supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join us to craft delicious dishes and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium hospitality and a passion for exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to become our new Chef Manager at one of our workplace restaurants in Thames Ditton, KT7. Do you love creating stunning restaurant food and are looking for work hours that give you a work-life balance like no other sector in the hospitality industry? 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.
This is a permanent position working 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 7am to 3:30pm. Some flexibility may be required to cater for occasional events. We are a fresh food-led operation, giving you full autonomy over menu creation to deliver a high-quality breakfast and lunch service using local, seasonal ingredients. Catering for around 100 staff daily, the offering includes hot mains, a daily salad bar, baked desserts, and hospitality catering.
We place a strong emphasis on customer interaction, so you’ll need to be personable, professional, and confident during service. You’ll also oversee two General Assistants, so strong leadership and organisational skills are essential to successfully manage this busy operation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, including the preparation and cooking of all food offerings
- Cater to the needs and expectations of all customers
- Lead, support, and motivate the team to ensure smooth daily operations
- Deliver consistently high food standards in line with Wilson Vale brand standards
- Create fresh, seasonal, and innovative dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and Health & Safety, including accurate record keeping
- Manage allergen reporting and ensure clear signposting for customers
- Take responsibility for budgeting, ordering, and stock control
- Support the training and development of team members
- 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.
- 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 & Kitchen Lead – Creative Seasonal Menus employer: Wilson Vale
Wilson Vale is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance, offering a unique opportunity for Head Chefs to thrive in a creative and supportive environment. With a strong emphasis on quality, seasonal ingredients and the freedom to innovate, our workplace restaurant in Thames Ditton fosters a culture of collaboration and personal growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Enjoy excellent career development opportunities, a fun working atmosphere, and benefits like your birthday off after one year of service, making Wilson Vale a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef & Kitchen Lead – Creative Seasonal Menus
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Wilson Vale. Check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. 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! Since this role is all about creating stunning seasonal menus, be ready to showcase your culinary creativity. Maybe even prepare a dish that reflects your style and share it during the interview. It’s a great way to impress them with your passion for food!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! As you'll be overseeing a team, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a group. Be ready to discuss how you motivate and support your team to ensure smooth operations in a high-pressure environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you understand if Wilson Vale is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about their commitment to quality and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef & Kitchen Lead – Creative Seasonal Menus
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 creating seasonal menus and how you enjoy using local ingredients. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for crafting stunning dishes.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef & Kitchen Lead, you'll be overseeing a team. Make sure to mention any previous leadership roles you've had and how you motivated your team to deliver exceptional service. We value strong leaders who can inspire others!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to customise your application for this role. Refer to specific responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description, like customer interaction and food safety standards. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson Vale
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes you could create. Be ready to discuss your ideas and how they align with Wilson Vale's ethos of fresh, quality food.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be overseeing a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated others in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
✨Emphasise Customer Interaction
Wilson Vale values great customer service, so be prepared to share experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure a positive dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food
Let your love for food shine through during the interview. Talk about your culinary inspirations, any unique cooking techniques you use, and how you stay updated on food trends. This will show that you're not just a chef, but a true food enthusiast.
