Chef in Alnwick)

Location: Alnwick NE66 1NQ

Salary: Rates of pay will be shared at interview

To be able to work under supervision in any of the catering outlets at Alnwick Castle, following the guidance of the Head Chef to deliver a wide range of food products in a timely and cost-effective fashion. A commitment to maintaining high standards of service and production within the kitchen, and a positive attitude towards work is essential, as is the ability to motivate others. The ideal candidate will work well in a close-knit team and be a pro-active individual that is willing to learn and develop their current skills, as well as being dedicated to preparing a high standard of food.

• Follow menu and stock plans set out by the Head Chef and actively assist with minimising wastage within the kitchen and other outlets.
• Prepare and cook ingredients necessary and assist in all sections of the kitchen as directed by the Head Chef.
• Assist in the ordering, storage, control and management of all stock, according to regulations and administrative procedures.
• Work in a high-pressure environment with excellent communication and teamwork skills, while maintaining a level head.

You will be working with and around food so it is important to actively maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times. This includes being aware of COSHH policies and following guidelines when using any chemicals in the kitchen, only using those specifically set out by the company for use in catering areas. When handling food, you must always have clean hands and take care when handling knives and other sharp utensils. Accidents can be limited by using equipment appropriately and following company procedures, but if an accident should occur, involving a member of staff or a member of the public, staff trained in First Aid are required to attend to any injuries, and an accident form must be filled in. Any training involving kitchen procedures, food hygiene and risk assessments must be attended, as well as any other training relevant to your position.

You should be able to sustain excellent face to face communication with kitchen staff, front of house staff and customers. It is important to build a good knowledge of the Castle site, such as opening hours, and knowing about the various products served and sold across catering areas.

A knowledge of, and compliance with, the organisation's general policies and procedures will be required, in relation to daily shift patterns, rostering, staffing levels, holiday patterns and similar procedures as outlined in the Castle Staff Handbook, which will be made available to you. Policies and procedures also include those relating to health and safety, and welfare, equal opportunities, emergency evacuation, security and standards of work performance. In addition, you will be prepared to undertake any additional or alternative tasks and duties reasonably required by Northumberland Estates within the general scope of the post.

• Previous experience working in a busy kitchen
• Experience in following menu plans and preparing and cooking ingredients
• Industry recognized qualification such as City & Guilds, NVQ, BTEC (desirable)
• Level 2 Food safety qualification (desirable)

• General standard of numeracy and literacy
• Awareness of Health and Safety and security issues
• Good organisational abilities
• Great attention to detail
• Enthusiasm and willing to learn and develop
• Knowledge of the local area (desirable)
• A good understanding of various dietary requirements (desirable)

• A flexible and adaptable approach to all aspects of work
• The ability to be reliable and punctual
• The ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• The ability and willingness to work with a diverse range of visitors and colleagues
• Working as part of a team in a busy, demanding and pressurised environment (desirable)

This post is covered by various shifts working up to 5 over 7 days, including Bank Holidays. You will have the ability and availability to work weekends and holidays. You will be prepared to be flexible in working hour patterns, or additional shifts. This is mostly a daytime role, but some evening work may be required. To wear and maintain uniform, as provided by Alnwick Castle, to a high standard.

Work may involve some heavy lifting of objects within published health and safety guidelines on manual handling. You may also be expected to stand for long periods of time.

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Alnwick Castle, please do not hesitate to apply.