At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating delicious seasonal menus and enhance visitor experiences at our café.
- Company: Join the Calanais Visitor Centre, a hub of culture and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment that values creativity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting redevelopment and showcase your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for high-quality food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Unique and exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced chef to assist in the development of the catering offer and enhance the overall visitor experience at the Calanais Visitor Centre.
About the Calanais Visitor Centre
At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we are committed to preserving, researching, and sharing the rich archaeological heritage of the Calanais Standing Stones. Our vision is to create an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining a deep connection between the site, the community, and the wider world. As we embark on a transformative redevelopment, we are looking for an Assistant Chef to deliver a high-quality food service to enhance our visitors’ experience.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, operates within a culture of respect, and creates a welcoming environment for all employees.
Role Purpose
The Calanais Visitor Centre is undergoing an ambitious £10.1 million redevelopment and will reopen in July 2026 as a world-class, 5-star visitor attraction and a thriving community hub. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced chef to assist in the development of the catering offer at the Calanais Visitor Centre. You’ll be passionate about taking local seasonal ingredients and making high quality food prepared on-site, taking pride in ensuring every dish meets your high expectations and enhances the overall visitor experience.
The core catering offer will be through the Centre’s onsite café, providing a welcoming environment for visitors and locals alike to enjoy good quality, seasonal food and drink. In addition to the café there will be the opportunity to develop an offer for onsite functions, within the Centre’s function suite and pop-up events such as evening dining experiences.
This is a full-time role, working hours will vary throughout the year, with an average of 37.5 hours per week across the year. Regular working hours will be throughout the daytime, however there is a requirement to work flexibly when required, including evenings, early mornings and across the week (Monday - Saturday).
The salary for this post is £30,000 - £35,000 per annum, which is negotiable dependent on experience.
Reports to: Head Chef
Direct Reports: N/A
Requirements
Roles & Responsibilities
Food Preparation and Menu Development
- Assist in the planning of seasonal menus using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, reflecting the heritage and culinary significance of the area.
- Prepare menus including breakfasts, lunches, cakes, children’s meals and catering for functions.
- Prepare and cook to order, ensuring quality, consistency and speed of service.
- Cater for occasional evenings and special events.
- Prepare menus for pop-up offers such as an onsite catering trailer.
Kitchen Operations Management
- Manage the kitchen and maintain standards during the Head Chef’s absence.
- Assist in supervising and mentoring junior kitchen staff and seasonal team members.
- Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently, maintaining a culture of professionalism, kindness, and care.
Inventory and Cost Control
- Support the Head Chef in minimising food waste and maintaining stock levels.
Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management in line with Food Standards Scotland.
Other
- Work alongside the Visitor Operations Manager and Food & Beverage Supervisor to ensure a high standard of customer service throughout the visitor experience.
- Operating within a culture of respect, kindness, and professionalism as part of the wider Visitor Centre team.
- Work with the Maintenance Manager to ensure a safe environment for both staff and visitors.
- Commit to continuous professional development.
- Deputise in the absence of the Head Chef.
Person Specification
Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Experience in a busy kitchen environment.
- Proven experience as Assistant Chef, or looking to step into this culinary role.
- In-depth knowledge of cooking methods, ingredients and kitchen equipment.
- Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
- Knowledge of dietary trends with ability to cater for a variety of requirements.
Personal Attributes
- Creative flair in hot food preparation and baking skills.
- A sharp eye for food presentation and consistency.
- A good understanding of food safety and hygiene regulation.
Benefits
What We Offer
At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we believe in creating a supportive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace. We offer:
- Fair Work Scotland Accreditation – Commitment to being a Living Wage employer and promoting Fair Work principles.
- Personal & Professional Development – Ongoing training, leadership development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Work-Life Balance – A flexible and supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing.
- Recognition & Reward – A culture that values contributions and celebrates achievements.
- An Inclusive & Supportive Workplace – A welcoming and dynamic environment where employees feel valued and empowered to grow.
If you are a passionate and creative chef looking to showcase your culinary talent in a unique setting, we would love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of the Calanais Visitor Centre and ensuring its legacy for generations to come.
Questions?
No query is too small or not worth asking, so please get in touch with Head Chef, Marshall Galloway. Email: careers@calanais.org
Assistant Chef employer: Calanais Visitor Centre
At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of respect, inclusivity, and professional growth. With our commitment to Fair Work principles, we offer competitive salaries, ongoing training, and a flexible work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing. Join us in creating a world-class visitor experience while enjoying the unique opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Calanais Visitor Centre! Research their mission and values, and think about how your culinary skills can enhance their visitor experience. This will help you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs and professionals in the industry. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people who might have insights or connections that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a sample menu or dish that reflects your style and the local ingredients you’d use. Bring it along to your interview to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It shows you're serious about the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and local ingredients shine through. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about enhancing the visitor experience with every dish.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Chef role. Highlight any relevant kitchen experience, especially in busy environments, and don’t forget to mention your creativity in menu development!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community at the Calanais Visitor Centre!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calanais Visitor Centre
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with local seasonal ingredients and how they can enhance the dishes you’ll be preparing. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the menu at the Calanais Visitor Centre.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of your culinary creativity. Think about unique dishes you've created or how you've adapted recipes to cater for dietary trends. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the development of the catering offer.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your experience in a busy kitchen environment and your ability to work collaboratively. Discuss how you’ve mentored junior staff or contributed to a positive kitchen culture, as this aligns with the Centre's values of respect and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your cooking methods and food safety knowledge. Brush up on hygiene regulations and be prepared to explain how you maintain high standards in the kitchen, especially during busy service times.
