At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food prep and learn culinary skills in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a leading contract caterer for schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, and 3 volunteering days.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career development through apprenticeships.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a supportive, food-led environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and a team player attitude required.
The predicted salary is between 13.75 - 13.75 £ per hour.
Location: Newcastle High School for Girls
Contract Type: 27.5 hours per week, Term Time Only (35 weeks working plus pro-rata holiday)
Salary: £13.75ph
Why Join us?
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development through apprenticeships for all experience levels.
About the role:
We are looking for a motivated and eager Commis Chef to join the kitchen team at Newcastle High School for Girls. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a supportive, food-led environment. You will assist with food preparation, learn from experienced chefs, and help maintain the highest standards in food safety and quality.
You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.
The safety and wellbeing of the people we serve is at the heart of everything we do. A key element is effective allergen management; achieved through training, communication, and care, we create mealtimes where every pupil has a safe experience. Our mission is simple: to provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their job and our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in food preparation and mise en place
- Support kitchen colleagues with daily service and presentation
- Follow food safety, hygiene, and allergen control procedures
- Keep kitchen areas clean and organised
- Learn and develop culinary skills under the guidance of senior chefs
- Support catering for special events and functions
- Accountability for following and championing allergen controls
Candidate Profile:
- A keen interest in food and cooking, eager to learn and develop skills
- Good attention to detail and understanding of hygiene practices
- Team player with a positive and flexible attitude
- Previous kitchen experience or relevant training is beneficial but not essential
- Willingness to work in an education or high-profile catering environment is desirable
Additional Information:
We pride ourselves on:
- People first: We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always: Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education: We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do: Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking: New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.
Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Commis Chef in Newcastle employer: WSH Group
BaxterStorey is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members, offering a range of benefits including 28 days of holiday, enhanced maternity leave, and bespoke training opportunities. Located at Airbus Broughton, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and celebrates diversity, ensuring that every employee can thrive while delivering outstanding hospitality experiences. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your growth is valued and your contributions make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef in Newcastle
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at WSH Group and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef in Newcastle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at WSH Group that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at WSH Group.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at WSH Group get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at WSH Group and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.