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Executive Chef / Head Chef

External
Wshgroup logoWshgroup · Belfast, UK
Full-timeOn-site2w ago
ComplianceLeadershipSAFe
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About the role

Caterlink is one of the UK's leading school caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services exclusively to schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering provision to suit children of all ages and meet the bespoke requirements of each school. The safety and wellbeing of the pupils we serve is at the heart of everything we do. Through rigorous training, clear communication, and exceptional care, we ensure robust allergen management so that every mealtime is a safe and enjoyable experience. We are seeking a passionate, hands-on Executive Chef / Head Chef to lead our culinary team at St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School. In this role, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, driving food standards, managing operations, and delivering outstanding, nutritious food experiences to pupils, staff, and visitors.

Responsibilities

  • Culinary Leadership: Design and deliver fresh, innovative, and compliant menus that appeal to students while meeting nutritional guidelines.
  • Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily food preparation, production, and service, ensuring the highest standards of presentation and quality.
  • Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team, managing rotas and fostering a positive working environment.
  • Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict health and safety, food hygiene (HACCP), and impeccable allergen management protocols.
  • Financial Control: Manage food costs, stock control, and wastage to ensure the catering service operates within budget.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, ideally within a high-volume education, contract catering, or commercial environment.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing a kitchen team.
  • Passion for fresh food and a strong understanding of current food trends and nutrition for young people.
  • Excellent knowledge of Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Allergen legislation.
  • Relevant culinary qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and Food Hygiene Level 3/4 is highly desirable.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the benefits of a Term-Time contract, offering excellent work-life balance around school holidays.Competitive hourly rate of £18.00.Ongoing training, career development, and progression opportunities within Caterlink.Candidate Profile:Ideally, you will have experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high-profile business and industry setting.Strong leadership and team management skillsPassionate about fresh, quality ingredients and innovative menusExcellent organisational, communication, and financial management skillsKnowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and allergen controlWe pride ourselves on:People firstWe're a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.Great food, alwaysUsing only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.Food educationWe educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.Respect in everything we doOur respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.Fresh thinkingNew 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.This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.Health insuranceVision insuranceEquity / stock options

Additional Information

Executive Chef / Head Chef Location: St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Belfast Contract Type: Term Time Salary: £18.00 per hour Company: Caterlink

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