At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients.
- Company: Join Somerset Larder, where community and sustainability are at the heart of our mission.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous time off, free meals, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a vibrant kitchen setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the culinary world while nurturing future chefs.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery and Food Safety Level 2 required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Company Description
Full Time: 39 hours per week
Salary: £21.56
Location: Central Production Kitchen, North Petherton
Closing Date: 21/08/2026
Interviews: Week Commencing - 31/08/2026
Want to work for a company where Togetherness, Nurture, Pride and Planet are at the heart of everything they do? Then look no further, Somerset Larder produces fresh food and meals to go using locally sourced ingredients from all over the west country. Our philosophy is to nourish the community with amazing produce, to employ local people and to train apprentices for future careers in the catering and hospitality sector.
At Somerset Larder, our Values have been set by our staff. Our Values exist for the good of our working lives and company performance. Our Values are:
- Togetherness - Be a tractor not a trailer.
- Nurture - You grow, I grow, we grow.
- Pride - We can and we will.
- Planet - We're part of a bigger picture.
Job Description
Leadership & Section Management
- Section Management: Capable of seamlessly stepping in and running all operational sections of the central production kitchen, including: Main Kitchen, Salad Room, Bakery, Cold Room, Goods In.
- Quality & Dish Oversight: Monitor, check, and maintain high standards for all dishes regarding quality, portion size, temperature, and presentation prior to leaving the kitchen.
- Dispatch Oversight: Oversee the dispatch process to ensure all outgoing orders are complete, correctly packaged, labelled, and dispatched on time to customer requirements.
- Food Production: Prepare and cook high-quality food efficiently in line with company standards and menu specifications. Assist with additional functions as required.
Training
- Training: Lead the hands-on training of new Chefs and Apprentices, teaching them preparation techniques and cooking methods for menu items they have not cooked before.
- Skill Development: Nurture the culinary growth of staff through demonstration, constructive feedback, and daily support.
Operations & Reporting
- Reporting: Maintain clear communication with Chef Supervisors and Management regarding daily operations, production progress, section issues, or stock needs.
- Waste: Work efficiently to minimise food waste.
- Stock & Deliveries: Ensure raw materials and packaging received meet specifications and are stored correctly in storage areas. Assist in stock orders when required.
- Menu Implementation: Contribute to the testing, and implementation of new products, prep methods, and menu items.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Food Safety & HACCP: Ensure all production strictly complies with the Somerset Larder Food Safety & Quality Management System (FSMS), HACCP principles, allergen controls, and relevant legislation.
- Hygiene & Equipment: Maintain clean work areas and ensure equipment across all sections is operated safely and cleaned correctly.
- Record Keeping: Complete all required food safety, temperature records and traceability records.
- Label Checking: Ensure labels are legible & accurate (date, allergens, ingredients).
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent experience).
- Food Safety Level 2 (or higher).
Skills and Knowledge
- Culinary & Section Expertise: Proven ability to run and manage all central production kitchen sections, including the Main Kitchen, Salad Room, Bakery, and Cold Rooms.
- Quality Assurance: Exceptional eye for detail in checking dish presentation, portion sizes, and adherence to spec sheets before dispatch.
- Dispatch Operations: Strong understanding of central distribution processes, ensuring orders are accurately picked, packed, temperature-controlled, and dispatched on schedule.
- Training Techniques: Ability to break down complex cooking methods and teach implementation of new dishes effectively to team members and apprentices.
- Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance: Deep working knowledge of HACCP, allergen control protocols, cross-contamination prevention, and food safety standards.
- Traceability & Auditing: Proficient in maintaining accurate food traceability records, temperature logs, and quality check documentation.
- Operational Efficiency: Practical knowledge of waste control measures.
- Stock Control: Knowledge of raw material storage, goods-in verification, and rotation standards across frozen, ambient and chilled storage.
Interpersonal Skills
- Mentorship & Nurturing: Demonstrates patience, empathy, and clear guidance when training chefs and apprentices on new recipes, techniques, and kitchen section routines.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Works proactively alongside section team members to support production and maintain smooth kitchen workflow.
- Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills; effectively relays section updates, stock needs, and operational issues up to supervisors/management and updates staff.
- Adaptability & Resilience: Stays calm and structured under high-volume time pressures; adaptable to shift rotational needs across different kitchen areas.
- Positive Attitude: Brings a "can-do" approach to work, fostering pride, high morale, and togetherness within the central production team.
Additional Information
Employee Benefits:
- Generous Time Off: 30 days including bank holidays.
- Pension Contributions: 5% from you, matched with a hearty 5% from us.
- Life Assurance: Provides peace of mind.
- Cycle Scheme: Eco-friendly start to each day.
- Comprehensive Family Leave Benefits: Support during life changes.
- Free Food and Drink on Shift: Daily free meal/drink.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24/7 helpline and portal for health, finances, legal advice and lifestyle tips.
- Christmas Shutdown: Relax during the festive period.
- Learning, Development and Apprenticeship Opportunities: Range of development opportunities.
- Access to Occupational Health: Health Partners services.
- Refer a Friend Scheme: Financial benefits for referrals.
- Monthly Recognition: A Toast to you for outstanding contributions.
- Long Service Awards: Recognition at 5- and 10-year anniversaries.
- Annual Team Awards: Celebrate outstanding contributions.
Pre-Employment Screening: Successful applicants will be required to provide a three-year employment history and five-year address history to work on Hinkley Point C. They must be able to provide in date photographic ID and their right to work in the UK so that security clearance can be obtained as these roles are based on a nuclear regulated site.
Senior Chef in North Petherton employer: Somerset Larder
At Somerset Larder, we pride ourselves on fostering a work environment rooted in Togetherness, Nurture, Pride, and Planet. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous benefits, including 31 days of annual leave, comprehensive family leave, and opportunities for personal growth through training and apprenticeships. Join us in North Petherton, where you can enjoy free meals on shift and be part of a team dedicated to nourishing the community with locally sourced ingredients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Chef in North Petherton
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Somerset Larder. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Somerset Larder
Don't be shy about reaching out to Somerset Larder directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Chef in North Petherton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Somerset Larder and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Larder
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
