Chef in Machynlleth

CAT seeks a Chef to join our Catering Team to assist in the operation and development of our Café and catering services to a high quality and efficient standard.

About CAT: The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an internationally renowned environmental charity, a world-leading eco centre, and one of the foremost providers of postgraduate environmental education in the UK, based near Machynlleth in Mid Wales. CAT provides inspiration, education and training in solutions to the climate and biodiversity emergency. Key activities include a visitor centre where people can see solutions in action, residential, in‑person and online short courses and events, vocational training, and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of sustainability‑related topics. At CAT, we are redefining catering by delivering innovative, delicious, and plant‑based culinary experiences. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do; from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to eliminating single‑use plastics. We serve clients who care about health, the planet, and exceptional food. We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Chef who shares these values.

Overview of the Role: The Catering team aims to provide a high quality service to its range of customers, who include day visitors, school groups, students, course attendees, events and conference delegates, whilst operating under an ethical and sustainable trading policy. Current areas of operation include the main cafe and buffet functions in the WISE building. The Chef is responsible for assisting in the operation and development of the cafe and catering services to a high quality, efficient and profitable standard, receiving excellent customer feedback, whilst operating within CAT’s environmental and procurement policies. The role combines general catering duties, both in the kitchen and front of house.

Main Responsibilities:

• To assist with the overseeing and development of all catering.
• To assist with the setting of appropriate standards.
• To assist with the continual review and the development of quality and range of products and services, to increase profitability and customer satisfaction.
• To provide appropriate cover for the catering services at CAT.
• To prepare, maintain and develop high standards of food, service and presentation of meals and snacks.
• To be creative and inventive with food presentation for different customers and their different catering requirements.
• To ensure that a good range of freshly prepared meals and snacks are available for service, on the counter areas of the restaurant.
• To maintain high standards of cooking and serving of meals for both customers and large groups.
• To be versatile and resourceful in providing a wide range of catering services to customers, including self‑service provision for groups, buffets or pre‑booked meals and involved in menu planning.
• To facilitate the smooth and efficient day‑to‑day running of the CAT café which involves: serving, liaising with customers and all front of house operations, till operation, counter sales and cashing up, kitchen operations, keeping the catering areas safe and clean, complying with HACCP and all environmental Health requirements.
• To assist with replenishing and maintaining appropriate catering stock levels.
• To assist with staff training, development and motivation.
• To ensure compliance with CAT’s policies including Waste Management and Health & Safety.
• To assist with the maintenance of the fabric and the facilities of the restaurant, as part of the restaurant team.
• Any other appropriate duties as defined by the Plant‑Based Sustainable Catering Manager.