Kitchen Manager / Cook – Christian Retreat House

Kitchen Manager / Cook - Full-time & Part-time Available

Location

St Katharine's, Parmoor (near Henley-on-Thames)

Hours

Full-time: 35 paid hours per week
over five days
Part-time applicants welcome

Salary

£27,300-£31,000 PA depending on experience (non-residential salary)

Accommodation

On-site accommodation may be available by separate agreement.

Immediate start available

Full-time & Part-time Applicants Welcome

The opportunity

St Katharine's is a Christian retreat and hospitality house in beautiful countryside near Henley-on-Thames. We welcome individuals and groups who come to stay, retreat, meet, pray and spend time together - and food is an important part of that welcome.

The food

• Hot lunches and evening meals
• Vegetarian and vegan dishes
• Cold lunches and lighter meals
• Food for allergies and intolerances
• Cakes, traybakes and puddings
• Special meals, events and feasts

Breakfast is covered by other team members and is not normally part of this role. We would also love to make increasing use of seasonal produce from the grounds.

Working Hours

The full-time role is 35 paid hours per week over five days (Monday - Sunday), on a varied, booking-led rota rather than a rigid 9-5 routine. Weekend shifts will form part of the rota, with days off taken elsewhere in the week.

Full-time

Five shifts per week, scheduled between Monday and Sunday to suit guest bookings.

Part-time opportunities also available

We’re happy to hear from people looking for weekday and/or weekend work, with hours arranged around availability and our guest bookings.

Your role

• Plan appealing menus around bookings, budgets and guest requirements.
• Prepare and cook meals, cakes, baking and desserts for residential groups and events, including suitable meals for advance preparation or batch cooking where appropriate.
• Provide safe, thoughtful options for allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements.
• Manage ordering, stock, portioning, waste and food costs.
• Maintain the kitchen to a five-rated food hygiene standard, keeping it organised, compliant and ready for inspection at any time, including Safer Food Better Business records, allergen controls and cross-contamination procedures.
• Coordinate other team members working in the kitchen and provide clear instructions for the safe reheating, finishing and serving of prepared meals when required.

Most importantly, we want someone who cares about the experience of the people around the table - not simply what is on their plate.

What we are looking for

• Professional cooking or comparable catering experience
• Awareness of portioning, waste and cost control
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and SFBB
• The ability to plan practical, appealing menus
• Confidence managing allergens and dietary needs
• Confidence working independently
• Experience of ordering and stock management
• Good organisation, communication and flexibility

Why St Katharine's

This is an opportunity to work somewhere rather different: a peaceful kitchen in a beautiful setting, generally cooking for relatively small groups rather than facing relentless restaurant service.

You will join a small, friendly team and have genuine scope to bring your own ideas, creativity and personality to the food we serve. Above all, St Katharine's is a place built around welcome, and we want the food from our kitchen to feel simple, generous and memorable.

Benefits

• Workplace pension scheme
• Booking-led rota planned in advance
• Annual Leave plus bank holidays and time off in lieu
• Training and professional development
• Possible on-site accommodation
• Beautiful and peaceful working environment
• Free on-site parking
• Freedom to shape and develop the food offering

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