Assistant Kitchen Manager/Sous Chef in Harrogate

About us

Fodder is an award-winning farm shop and cafe celebrating the very best food and drink from Yorkshire. Fodder acts as a shop window for local farmers and producers, helping consumers to access local food easily. All the profits from Fodder go to help fund the charitable work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Fodder is well known for its quality and exceptional customer service. Fodder is accredited with Best Companies as a Top 100 Mid sized Employer and Top 25 UK Best Charitable Employer.

Purpose of the Role

This is an exciting time to join the Fodder team, as we have just expanded our catering offer. Are you working as a Junior sous or a Senior Chef De Partie and looking for the next step on your career ladder? This is an ideal opportunity, working within a small team, you will have the experience, energy and desire to develop this key role, as we continue to grow. Supporting and managing the overall daily operations of the Kitchen and support Fodder Takeaway, delivering first class Yorkshire dishes, whilst ensuring efficiency and financial targets are met. To train and motivate the team and to ensure they are knowledgeable about the amazing Yorkshire food we serve. Be well organised, with the administration of managing a team efficiently.

Working Pattern

40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 operational days of the week. DAY SHIFTS and NO SPLIT SHIFTS.

Key Responsibilities

• This is a hands-on role, to help and support running a successful kitchen team, managing the day-to-day operations of a busy kitchen.
• Produce top class Yorkshire food, assist in creating menus that showcase Yorkshire produce, whilst actively coaching the team to ensure quality, economical and timely food production.
• Ensure all staff operate to the same high levels of food production and cooking ensuring portion sizes, garnishes and the final product are served in the prescribed manner and to Food Hygiene standards.
• Lead, inspire and manage the Kitchen team members alongside the Kitchen Manager, in line with company procedures and policies.
• Train team members, following company policies and providing ongoing support to all Fodder staff.
• Assist the Kitchen Manager in achieving financial targets, including sales and price appropriately to achieve product margin and wage margin targets. Using our EPOS system to run daily and weekly reports.
• To assist the Catering Management team in maintaining high customer satisfaction and assisting with resolving any customer complaints.
• Plan and prepare Kitchen schedules in the Kitchen Manager's absence, ensuring these are kept within budget.
• To ensure all Health and Health and Safety regulations for Fodder are adhered to and followed.
• To ensure the Fodder HACCP plan is followed and to complete all relevant paperwork to play a major part in maintaining 5 stars for food hygiene standards.
• Liaise closely with the Cafe team, to ensure individual food orders are communicated clearly and the food service works seamlessly, from the kitchen to our customers.
• Competitively order stock, ensure regular stock rotation and control. Proactively manages wastage and finding solutions to minimize across the business.
• Work with the Catering Management team to promote our local Yorkshire suppliers. Creating daily specials that encompass our local suppliers, seasonality and current food trends.
• Work with the Catering Management to plan and execute successful events, which may include occasional evenings.
• Be a key holder, opening and locking Fodder as required.
• To be a fire warden and first aider for Fodder.
• To recognise the importance of fairness and equality in the workplace, to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• To be an ambassador of the Society values.

It is not possible for this document to totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outlined duties may therefore vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility.

Experience & Qualifications

• Considerable experience in being part of and leading a successful team.
• Good level of written and verbal skills.
• Food safety level two qualification, First Aid qualification and fire marshal preferable.

Personal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Software Suite.
• Polite and approachable.
• Focus, thoroughness, and keen attention to detail.
• Good level of written skills and ability to produce reports.
• Has a 'can do/will do' attitude.
• Excellent planning & organisational skills.
• Analysis of own performance and takes steps to improve this.
• Remains focused when faced with competing demands.
• Keeps people informed of progress on key tasks.
• Adapts their communication style to suit their customer/colleagues, responding to their feedback or queries.
• Work to tight deadlines.
• Accepts new ideas and change initiatives.
• Always conducts themselves in a courteous and professional manner.
• Always maintains the strictest levels of confidentiality.

Salaries and benefits

• Subsidised private healthcare scheme
• Life assurance of x4 annual salary after 12 weeks service
• Staff discount
• Share of tips
• Uniform provided
• Free car parking
• No evening work