As the festive season approaches, the hospitality industry gears up for one of its busiest times of the year.
For many chefs, this period traditionally involves long and unpredictable hours, often leaving little time to spend with loved ones.
Center Parcs has changed this narrative by offering chef roles that focus on work-life balance, allowing chefs and their families to enjoy the Christmas season without compromise.
The hospitality sector is known for its demanding schedules, especially during the Christmas period.
Center Parcs has embraced a family first strategy, setting itself apart by prioritising the well-being and personal time of its chefs.
What sets Center Parcs apart
Straight shifts only: Center Parcs offers 8-hour straight shifts, moving away from the common practice of split shifts. This approach allows chefs to maintain productivity while ensuring they have dedicated time at home.
Advanced rota planning: With shift schedules provided up to eight weeks in advance, chefs and their families can plan the holiday season without the worry of last-minute changes. The scheduling app further simplifies co-ordination of work and personal plans.
Comprehensive work benefits: Center Parcs chefs enjoy a range of benefits designed to promote relaxation and family time.
This includes heavily discounted breaks at Center Parcs, free or reduced-cost activities in the forest, and access to discounted retail offers, such as cycle purchases and more.
Professional development opportunities: Center Parcs is dedicated to nurturing the growth of its chefs through internal programmes like Step Up to Cook and Step Up to Supervise, which are designed to help less experienced chefs and kitchen assistants advance their skills.
In addition, their kitchen colleagues can pursue externally recognised qualifications through apprenticeship schemes, providing them with career-defining opportunities while on the job.
Promoting well-being, family time, and professional growth
Supporting the well-being of chefs is a priority at Center Parcs, especially during high-demand times like Christmas.
At the same time, the company is committed to investing in its chefs’ professional development, ensuring they can grow their careers alongside achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Ailsa Higman, group resourcing manager at Center Parcs UK, said: “This approach ensures that our chefs can enjoy their job while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We believe that when our colleagues are well-supported, they’re able to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.
“Our development programmes also show that being a chef at Center Parcs isn’t just about great hours – it’s about a future filled with opportunity.”
One Center Parcs chef recently shared: “Having the ability to know my schedule weeks in advance and work consistent shifts has significantly improved not only my professional experience but also my home life. It’s a great relief for my partner and me, knowing we can truly enjoy time off together and with the family.”
Join the Center Parcs team at Whinfell Forest
Center Parcs is now recruiting permanent Kitchen Assistants/Commis Chefs and Line Cooks/Junior Chefs de Partie at Whinfell Forest.
For those seeking a chef role that offers professional fulfilment, career growth, and a true work-life balance, now is the perfect opportunity.
