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- Tasks: Join us as an Agency Chef, working in diverse kitchens across Reading.
- Company: Be part of a leading recruitment agency in the UK catering and hospitality sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy weekly pay, free meals, flexible hours, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience while choosing your shifts and working in exciting venues.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and at least one year of kitchen experience.
- Other info: Immediate start available; perfect for students seeking flexible work.
Location: Reading
Contract type: Temp
Starting on: June 2024
Rate of pay:
- Mon-Fri £15.00 to £17.50 + Holiday pay per hour
- Weekends £21.75 per hour + Holiday pay per hour
Are you wanting to choose the hours you work and be paid for every hour you work? Do you enjoy working in a variety of different kitchens gaining experience in all sectors of our industry? If the answer is yes, then we would love to hear from you.
The role: You will be working for one of the UK's leading recruitment agencies providing chefs cover to a variety of catering and hospitality businesses. Our clients are Hotels, Golf clubs, Sporting Venues, Private clubs, Garden centres, Retirement villages, Schools, Colleges, Universities, Pubs, and Restaurants along with many other catering and hospitality venues. As a chef, you will work in different venues providing vital cover to ensure that our clients can provide a great food offer to their customers.
Benefits:
- Paid weekly
- Hourly Pay
- Ability to choose the hours you would like to work
- Free meals whilst on duty
- Free Parking available
- Chance to gain experience in a variety of different venues
- Training and development available
Key information:
- Immediate Start
- Choose the days you would like to work, and we will match you up with the most suitable shifts
- Work Monday to Friday or just weekends - The choice is yours.
- Variety of shift patterns available for full time and part time hours
Key responsibilities include:
- Knowledge and ability to independently and effectively run your section, for example; meat, fish, vegetables, pastry, butchery, sauces, grill, starches, starters, fry, pantry and roast
- The ability to supervise, engage and teach Commis Chefs and Kitchen Assistants
- The ability to delegate tasks appropriately
- Ability to work without close supervision and deliver quality work
- Strong ability to produce good quality food and first rate culinary skills
- A flair, passion and a love of ingredients
- Strong organisational skills
- An ability to work unsupervised and consistently deliver quality work
- Experience of a variety of kitchen environments and cuisines
- Awareness of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- Good maths/numeracy skills
- Good oral communication with all members of the team
- Prepare, cook and present food as per your station
- Prepare food to ordering during service as per your station/section
- Ensure you and your team have high standards of food hygiene and follow the rules of health and safety practices in the kitchen
- Manage and train any assigned Commis Chefs or Demi-Chef de Parties working with you
- Monitor portion and waste control to maintain profit margins
- May be involved in assisting the Head Chef and Sous Chef in creating menu items, recipes and developing dishes
As a Chef you will be/have:
- Strong attention to detail
- Enthusiasm and willingness to develop your own skills and knowledge, plus those around you
- Flexible and have a willingness to embrace new ideas and processes
- Good team management skills
- Team player qualities and the ability to work well with staff at all levels in the kitchen
- Positive and approachable manner
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen
- A cool/calm/level head when under pressure and during a busy service
*In the care sector need a basic awareness of allergens, special diets, portion control and recipe costings, under guidance from the Sous Chef or Head Chef
Qualifications/Licences/Certifications/Experience:
- City & Guilds 706/1 or 706/2 in Catering
- NVQ/SVQ Level 2 (or equivalent)
- Level 1 and 2 Food Safety Awards
- Minimum 1 year's relevant experience
- Awareness of manual handling techniques
- Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety
- Experience of kitchen equipment including different knives
- Understandable level of English spoken and written
- Any health and safety and food hygiene courses
Desired but not necessary:
- Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace Award
- Level 3 Food Safety Awards
If you've got what it takes to be our next Agency Chef, then don't hesitate to apply today. Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Agency Chef- Reading employer: Blue Arrow - Reading
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Agency Chef- Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and hospitality professionals in Reading. Attend local culinary events or join online forums to connect with people who might have insights into available shifts or opportunities with agencies like us.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the different types of venues you may work in, such as hotels, schools, and restaurants. Understanding their specific needs can help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your versatility by highlighting your experience in various kitchen environments and cuisines. This will demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly, which is crucial for an Agency Chef role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP during any conversations with us. Being well-versed in these areas will show that you take food hygiene seriously, a key aspect of working in diverse kitchens.
We think you need these skills to ace Agency Chef- Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in various kitchen environments. Emphasise your culinary skills, ability to work independently, and any supervisory roles you've held.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your flexibility in working different shifts. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as City & Guilds or NVQ certifications. If you have completed any food safety or health and safety courses, make sure to include these as well.
Showcase Team Management Skills: If you have experience supervising or training other kitchen staff, be sure to mention this. Highlight your team player qualities and how you can contribute positively to the kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Reading
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in various kitchen environments and cuisines. Highlight specific dishes you've mastered and be ready to explain your cooking techniques, as this will demonstrate your culinary expertise.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
Since the role involves supervising and training Commis Chefs and Kitchen Assistants, share examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past. Discuss your approach to delegation and how you foster a positive working environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
The job offers a variety of shifts and venues, so express your willingness to adapt to different kitchen settings and schedules. Share experiences where you've thrived in fast-paced or changing environments to show you're up for the challenge.
✨Know Your Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with HACCP and food hygiene practices, as these are crucial in any kitchen. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high standards of food safety and hygiene in your previous roles, which will reflect your professionalism.
