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- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and learn high-quality cooking techniques.
- Company: Join the Calanais Visitor Centre, a hub of culture and community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Supportive environment focused on employee wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting redevelopment and enhance visitor experiences with your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Basic culinary knowledge or a strong desire to learn.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 29000 £ per year.
Join us in shaping the future of the Calanais Visitor Centre. We’re looking for a passionate and creative Commis Chef who is eager to develop their skills and grow their talent further.
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 a Commis Chef to assist in delivering 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. We are looking for a Commis Chef to join our team at the Calanais Visitor Centre. As Commis Chef, there’s plenty to get involved with whilst growing your career and developing skills and knowledge to further your professional development.
This is a part-time role, working hours will vary throughout the season, with a minimum of 15 hours per week, fixed term until 1st November 2026. Regular working hours will be throughout the daytime, however there is a requirement to work flexibly when required, which could include evenings, early mornings and across the week (Monday - Saturday).
The hourly rate for this position is £13.45.
Reports to: General Manager Direct Reports: Head Chef
Requirements
Roles & Responsibilities
- Food Preparation and Learning
- Assisting the Head Chef and Sous Chef with food preparation for the breakfast and lunch menu.
- Learning to prepare high-quality food using local, seasonal ingredients, ensuring every dish meets the site’s high expectations.
- Supporting the Chefs with daily baking requirements for the café, such as cakes and traybakes.
- Maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen.
- Kitchen Operations Management
- Assisting with the delivery, unloading, and correct storage of supplies to maintain stock levels and control.
- Following instructions to minimise food waste, contributing to the kitchen’s goal of sustainability and cost efficiency.
- Keeping the work area clean and organised, throughout the shift.
- Health, Safety and Professionalism
- Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, ensuring compliance to food safety and health regulations.
- Developing a thorough understanding of allergens to cater to various dietary requirements.
- Operating within a culture of respect, kindness, and professionalism as part of the wider Visitor Centre team.
- Committing to continuous professional development and training opportunities provided by the centre.
- Other
- Work alongside the management to ensure a high standard of customer service throughout the visitor experience.
- Work with the Facilities Manager to ensure a safe environment for both staff and visitors.
- Commit to continuous professional development.
Person Specification
Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- A basic professional culinary qualification or a strong desire to learn in a high-volume environment.
- Flexibility to work daytime hours, including weekends and occasional early mornings or evenings.
- A basic understanding of ingredients, cooking methods and knife skills.
- An understanding of food safety and hygiene regulation.
- Basic knowledge of dietary trends.
Personal Attributes
- Good work ethic.
- A good eye for detail and the ability to work effectively under pressure during peak visitor hours.
- Good communication skills and time keeping.
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 commis chef looking to learn new skills and develop your 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
Seasonal Commis Chef employer: Calanais Visitor Centre
Contact Detail:
Calanais Visitor Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Commis Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Calanais Visitor Centre! Research their mission and values, and think about how your passion for food aligns with their vision. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have the chance, bring a dish you've created to share during an interview or networking event. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your culinary creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Calanais team.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Commis Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. We want to see your creativity and eagerness to learn, so share any experiences that highlight your passion for food!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commis Chef role. Highlight relevant skills, like food preparation and knowledge of hygiene standards, and don’t forget to mention any experience with local ingredients or high-volume environments.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be 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, you’ll find all the details about the role and our vision for the Calanais Visitor Centre there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calanais Visitor Centre
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with local and seasonal ingredients that the Calanais Visitor Centre might use. Being able to discuss your knowledge of these ingredients during the interview will show your passion for quality food and your eagerness to learn.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your culinary skills, even if they're basic. Highlight any experience you have with food preparation, cooking methods, or knife skills. If you can, bring examples of dishes you've made or describe your favourite recipes to demonstrate your creativity.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a Commis Chef, you'll be working closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team environment. This could be from previous jobs, school projects, or even group cooking classes.
✨Understand Food Safety
Brush up on food safety regulations and hygiene practices. Being knowledgeable about allergens and dietary trends will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're committed to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.