At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating seasonal menus and high-quality dishes for visitors.
- Company: Join the Calanais Visitor Centre, a hub of culture and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment that values diversity and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting redevelopment and enhance visitor experiences through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for culinary creativity.
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 a Sous 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 Sous 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
Sous Chef employer: Calanais Visitor Centre
At the Calanais Visitor Centre, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values creativity and professional growth. As a Living Wage employer committed to Fair Work principles, we offer flexible working conditions, ongoing training opportunities, and a culture that celebrates achievements, making it an ideal place for passionate chefs to thrive while contributing to a unique visitor experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Calanais Visitor Centre! Research their mission and values, and think about how your culinary style can enhance their visitor experience. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend local food events or workshops to connect with people who might have insights or even recommendations for the Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any menu ideas that reflect local seasonal ingredients. This will demonstrate your creativity and passion for high-quality food during interviews.
✨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 Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and local ingredients shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating high-quality dishes that enhance the visitor experience at the Calanais Visitor Centre.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in busy kitchen environments and any roles as a Sous Chef. We’re looking for someone who can manage kitchen operations and maintain high standards, so showcase those skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills, making 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 for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity 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 menu. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would incorporate these ingredients into the catering offer at the Calanais Visitor Centre.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share your creative flair in hot food preparation and baking. Bring examples of your past work or ideas for unique dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of the area, as this will demonstrate your passion and innovation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence. Be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring junior staff and how you maintain a professional and supportive kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure you understand food safety and hygiene regulations. Be ready to talk about how you ensure high standards in the kitchen and how you handle allergen management, as this is crucial for maintaining a safe dining experience.
