Head Chef

Chartwells is a part of the wider Compass Group family dedicated to higher education sites. We’re looking for a Head Chef to join our team at Northumbria University, who will lead our central production unit kitchen team to deliver an outstanding culinary experience across our outlets, hospitality, and events.
We love food, love great events and are passionate about delivering the best.
Some key responsibilities will include:Support the Executive Head Chef to develop an overall vision and plan for all food operations and outlets. Champion new, exciting food, with a focus on brand standards and sustainability

Take ownership of our central production unit kitchen, managing the team and output day-to-day

Work as part of the senior team in developing the culinary strategy and offers on an on-going basis, reacting to trends, supply changes and using your own expertise and passion to influence our offer

Set expectations, duties and workflows across your kitchen team and drive a collaborative and professional culture

Maintain the highest standards of quality within your team. Lead the kitchen to deliver excellent presentation, ensure all dishes are cooked to brand standard, and all health and safety practices followed

Work with the Executive Head Chef to create a rolling program of training focusing on skills and development, as well as addressing key issues such as allergen safety

Ensure waste management solutions are implemented and followed to reduce waste across all areas and achieve budgeted GP targets

Produce rosters in advance using Our Time to process schedules and payroll, in line with budgets

Identify talent within the team developing your staff wherever possible

Please see the job description for more information about the role and duties. Our ideal Head Chef will be:Customer service focused.

Model company values of honesty, respect and fairness.

Passionate about delivering superior food and service.

Support all colleagues and win through teamwork.

Be prepared to assist colleagues in a willing and positive manner, including assisting with other duties and other units.

All company / client policies and procedures to be adhered to at all times.

To complete all relevant training sessions, within set timeframes

Essential Expert culinary skills

Passionate about delivering great food and excellent service

An experienced people-manager within a senior kitchen role

Business management within a kitchen environment, working to budgets, targets and deadlines

A pragmatic, organised and collaborative approach to your work

Desirable NVQ Lvl3 in professional cookery or equivalent

Intermediate food hygiene/Level 3

Microsoft proficient – use of Outlook, Teams and Excel.

Knowledge of a contract catering environment

Experience in payroll software, and stock management systems

Experience in a Head Chef role

Full, clean UK driving license

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:Free meals whilst on shift

Free tea and coffee

Free on-site gym membership

Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, (url removed) and many more

Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more

Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits

Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster

Regular emails filled with the best discounts and savings available

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

Contributory pension scheme

Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

The salary for this role is £34,000 per annum. Please note, the closing date for this role is Sunday 2nd March 2025 – we plan to conduct interviews on Friday 7th March 2025. Should we receive a high volume of suitable candidates that we will close this vacancy early, so we would recommend applying as soon as possible. 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/2901/()/()/SU #Universities
Compass Group UK&I wants everyone in our business to feel able to be themselves at work and to have an equal opportunity to progress their career. We want to create a culture where we respect and embrace everyone's talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities. Where our colleagues feel valued, can reach their full potential, and thrive - Diversity is Our Strength