Chef

Interaction Recruitment; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering company in Haywards Heath is seeking an experienced Chef to join a high-standard catering team. The role involves preparing innovative dishes for daily service and event catering, emphasizing food safety and teamwork. Ideal candidates should have experience in busy kitchens and relevant culinary qualifications. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including complimentary meals and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Complimentary staff meals

Access to wellbeing and fitness facilities

Staff events

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a busy kitchen using fresh ingredients.
• Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• Experience catering for large-scale or high-volume hospitality events.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality dishes using appropriate methods.
• Follow HACCP procedures and comply with hygiene, food safety, and health regulations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a positive working environment.

Skills

Culinary skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

English and Maths GCSE (or equivalent)

CIEH Food Safety Level 2 (or equivalent)

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent

Job description

Chef

Position: Chef
Reports to: Head Chef
Start Date: As soon as possible
Hours: 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 (flexibility required for events)
Salary: £32,728.25 per annum (inclusive of paid holiday)
Benefits: Complimentary staff meals, access to wellbeing and fitness facilities/activities, staff events, pension scheme.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Chef to join a busy, high-standard catering team immediately. This position involves producing fresh, innovative dishes for daily service as well as supporting a variety of hospitality and event catering needs, including corporate lunches and formal functions.

The ideal candidate will be creative, reliable, and passionate about food, with the ability to maintain excellent standards of quality, hygiene, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Production & Service

• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality dishes using appropriate methods and standards.

• Assist in menu development, bringing creativity and awareness of current food trends and seasonality.

• Support food production for daily meal services as well as large-scale catering events.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Follow HACCP procedures and comply with all hygiene, food safety, and health & safety regulations.

• Ensure proper maintenance of goods-received processes and statutory record-keeping.

• Assist with monitoring food quality, portion control, and wastage.

Operations & Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a positive, professional working environment.

• Support the setup, service, clearing, and cleaning processes for functions and events.

• Perform occasional duties outside routine tasks as required by the department.

• Attend training sessions, meetings, and courses to support professional development.

• Report incidents such as accidents, theft, damage, or complaints appropriately.

Event Catering

• Assist with catering for special functions, some of which may occur outside normal working hours (overtime paid).

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Previous experience working in a busy kitchen using fresh ingredients.

• Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining high standards.

Desirable

• Experience catering for large-scale or high-volume hospitality events.

• Drives with access to own vehicle.

Qualifications

• English and Maths GCSE (or equivalent).

• CIEH Food Safety Level 2 (or equivalent).

• 706/1 and 706/2, NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery, or equivalent culinary qualification.

Skills & Aptitude

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Creative approach to menu ideas and dish design.

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with a positive approach to learning.

• Commitment to maintaining excellent hygiene and safety standards.

• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.