Head Chef - Canterbury

Chartwells; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering provider in the UK is seeking a skilled individual to oversee food production operations across multiple outlets. This role requires exceptional leadership skills, a passion for food, and the ability to manage customer service standards. The ideal candidate will have a relevant culinary qualification and experience in a managerial position. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to diversity and employee development.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Food shopping discounts

Discounted cinema tickets

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Experience of leading a successful team.
• Passion about food and customer service.
• Knowledge of working to a budget and achieving GP.

Responsibilities

• Lead the food production operations across multiple large and complex food service outlets.
• Manage the delivery of exclusive VIP functions and events.
• Ensure food quality standards are consistently achieved.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Customer service

Budget management

Education

City & Guilds 706/1, 2 or NVQ Level 3 or similar qualification

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Overall Purpose of the Role

• Lead the food production operations across multiple large and complex food service outlets with overall accountability for the quality and profitable delivery of all food production
• Drive tech based ordering solutions

Duties/Tasks

• Development, innovation and approval of menus
• Manages the delivery of exclusive VIP functions and events
• Ensures food quality standards are consistently achieved across all food service operations
• Ensure all contract SLA are met in terms of food offering
• Drive and support Hospitality and Delivered catering business on campus
• Drive use of tech installed on campus to enhance sales and customer experience
• Leadership of a health & safety culture across all food service operations
• Leads the catering operations to ensure all food production, labour & GP targets are achieved across the contract/site
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of contract performance as a key member of the contact leadership team
• Leads the team through effective communication & performance management
• Recruits, trains & develops the team ensuring there is a succession plan in place and supports the company Apprenticeship programme where applicable
• Ensures food purchasing and stock management is managed effectively
• Performs other tasks as reasonably requested

Person Specification

• Competent to work within or lead, manage and develop the team
• Acts in line with guidelines and procedures, to ensure the team operates to its maximum potential
• Always strives to deliver above and beyond the expectations set by management, customer and client
• Has a proven desire for the delivery of the highest quality of service and food offer obtainable
• Has the drive to ensure that all results are attained in the most professional and honest manner

Essential

• City & Guilds 706/1, 2 or NVQ Level 3 or similar qualification
• Experience of leading a successful team
• Influential leadership skills, able to inspire others
• Experience in an Exec or Head Chef role at a similar level
• Demonstrate innovation and strategic direction in food planning and menu development
• Passion about food and customer service
• Knowledge of working to a budget and achieving GP
• Expert culinary skills
• Business management within a kitchen environment

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges and universities across the UK.

Job Reference: com/2407/43152001/52752177/SU #Universities

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!