Chef Lead

Yeovil College; Nuthurst; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Staff discount

Employee assistance programme

Free onsite gym

Subsidised catering

Cycle to work scheme

Staff parking

Job summary

Yeovil College seeks a dedicated Chef Lead to steer the college's new commercial catering operation within our flagship campus transformation. You will lead the production kitchen, design seasonal menus and deliver outstanding food for students, staff, visitors and events.

You will mentor learners in a live hospitality environment, uphold food safety standards and drive innovation as the operation grows. This full-time role offers excellent benefits and career progression.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a professional or commercial kitchen.
• Level 2 (or above) Professional Cookery/Catering qualification and a Food Safety Certificate.
• Passion for hospitality, teaching and developing future culinary professionals.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the production kitchen and deliver high-quality seasonal menus.
• Deliver exceptional food for students, staff, visitors and events including conferences.
• Mentor learners in a live commercial environment and support their development.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, customer service, food safety and kitchen operations.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Mentoring learners

Hospitality passion

Education

Professional Cookery/Catering qualification (A Level 2 or above)

Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Lead the future of commercial catering at Yeovil College. This is your opportunity to take charge of a thriving commercial kitchen, influence an exciting new catering offer, and help shape the next generation of hospitality professionals. As our brand-new Chef Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in the growth of our commercial catering operation at a landmark moment, with our commercial catering facilities moving into our flagship building, currently under construction as part of the College's£60 million campus transformation. If you're looking for a role where your ideas and passion for food will be recognised, this is the opportunity for you. Working closely with the Commercial Catering Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operation of our production kitchen, creating high-quality seasonal menus and delivering exceptional food for students, staff, visitors, conferences and commercial events. You'll drive innovation, develop exciting food concepts, and play a key role in growing the College's commercial catering operation. You'll also mentor learners in alive commercial environment, helping them build the skills, confidence and professional standards needed for successful careers inhospitality. Maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, customer service, food safety and kitchen operations, you'll help create a catering experience that reflects the ambition and excellence of Yeovil College. Join us and help shape an outstanding catering experience in our brand-new flagship facilities.

• Experience leading a professional or commercial kitchen, delivering high-quality food and excellent customer service.
• A Level 2 (or above) Professional Cookery/Catering qualification and a Food Safety Certificate.
• Passion for hospitality, teaching and developing future culinary professionals
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to motivate others and manage a busy kitchen.
• Experience mentoring or supporting learners or young people in a practical kitchen environment (desirable).
• A creative, commercially aware approach, with a commitment to high standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Confident using initiative, managing workloads and working effectively under pressure
• Flexibility to support monthly evening events and occasional functions throughout the year. Annual Salary:£25,179[FTE £30,966]
• Full time position, 37hours per week, Term time only
• Generous pension scheme of28.68%employer contributions
• Staff discount scheme with high street and online retailers
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Employee assistance programme
• Free onsite gym
• Subsidised catering facilities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to free staff parking
• Commitment to safeguarding