At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating unique meals from surplus ingredients.
- Company: Join the UK's largest food redistribution charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to impact communities.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work with enthusiastic volunteers.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to reduce food waste and feed those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for sustainability.
Reporting To: Kitchen Manager
Salary Range: £40,000 - £45,000
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Felix’s Kitchen, Unit 12 & 14 Thomas Road Industrial Estate Poplar E14 7BN
Hours/Days per week: 37.5 hours per week, 5 days out of 6, between Monday to Saturday. Any 8.5 hours between 07:30 and 20:00
Our Vision: A UK where “No good food goes to waste”. The Felix Project and FareShare have recently merged to form the UK's largest food redistribution charity. Its vision is a UK where good food is never wasted, and nobody goes hungry. The organisation rescues high quality edible surplus food, from across the food industry and gets it to over 8,000 organisations across the UK who are working to strengthen communities and improve lives. The charity manages seven depots across London, Suffolk, Merseyside and Hampshire and works with 16 network partners who operate a further 26 regional depots across the UK. Over the next year our ambition is to rescue enough food nationally to provide nearly 200 million meals, turning an environmental problem into social good with measurable impact for people, planet, and the economy.
Purpose of the Job: We are looking for the Head Chef to play a key role leading the team at Felix’s Kitchen to continue and grow on the success of the last four years of operations. Felix’s Kitchen opened in 2021 and has grown its impact and output since then, to now be a one-of-a-kind kitchen producing 4.5-5 thousand ready meals 6 days a week made entirely from surplus ingredients. No two days will ever be the same, we work with surplus ingredients meaning each dish is unique and based on the incredible seasonal surplus ingredients we have received into our Poplar Depot based next to the kitchen. We have a core team of staff who run the operation but our workforce is made up of volunteers who support all aspects of our kitchen operations. The new Head Chef will line manage the chef team of roughly 10 people and be working in our main production kitchen every day, leading the team from the front, setting the standards and organising the day's production. Whilst managing, planning and leading are the core of the role, it is a hands-on role working in the kitchen to achieve the daily production targets and cooking new recipes each day.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the Kitchen side of the operation on a day-to-day basis, setting the prep and cooking schedules for the day(s) ahead
- Support the team from the front in delivering the day's output objectives and problem solving across the kitchen operation
- Line Manage the Kitchen team, focused on the daily management but also working on people and team management alongside the kitchen manager
- Work alongside the kitchen management team to ensure all H&S, Food Safety and HACCP standards are met
- Participate in all external Health & Safety and Food Safety audits and carry out internal audits/checklists
- Be responsible for all safety paperwork and monitoring information from the kitchen operations
- Be accountable for the creation of unique recipe and spec sheets every day and managing the team to do so
- Create and monitor the packing list for the packing team to produce the final meal products, ensuring accurate labelling and allergen information is given
- Monitor and control inbound food supplies, ensuring the ingredients are used effectively and safely
- Maintaining cleanliness standards throughout the kitchen and food storage areas
- Working alongside the kitchen manager on improving quality, quantity and consistency of Felix Meals
- Ensure the team can provide a hot lunch for the staff at Poplar each day from our surplus ingredients
- Working to support the volunteers in the kitchen, with hands-on instructions and overall experience management
- Support the Chef Trainer in the execution of our Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme
Your normal duties and responsibilities will be set out in your job description. However, the charity may require you to perform other duties from time to time.
Recruitment timeline: We reserve the right to close advertisements early and we might assess candidates and arrange interviews as applications come in, so please apply as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this opportunity. Due to the anticipated large number of applicants, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of your application, we regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful. Consequently, we will not be able to provide feedback.
Volunteer Manager (Southern Central) employer: The Felix Project
At Felix's Kitchen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a positive and impactful work environment. Our team enjoys a collaborative culture that values innovation and creativity, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly in the culinary arts. Located in Poplar, our unique mission to reduce food waste while providing nutritious meals fosters a sense of purpose and community among our staff and volunteers, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Manager (Southern Central)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Felix’s Kitchen and its mission. When you understand their vision of reducing food waste and helping communities, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to kitchen management and teamwork. Role-play with a friend or family member to build confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team at Felix’s Kitchen. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Manager (Southern Central)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your skills align with our mission at Felix’s Kitchen.
Show Your Passion for Food Rescue:In your application, let us know why you're excited about working with surplus ingredients and food redistribution. We love candidates who share our vision of reducing food waste and making a positive impact on the community!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the Head Chef role. We want to see how you can lead our kitchen team and contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Felix Project
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of surplus ingredients that Felix’s Kitchen typically uses. Being able to discuss how you would creatively use these ingredients in meal preparation will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a kitchen environment. Highlight your experience in managing staff and volunteers, as well as how you handle challenges and motivate your team to achieve production targets.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of Health & Safety, Food Safety, and HACCP standards. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen setting, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Questions
Expect practical questions about cooking techniques and recipe creation. Prepare to share your approach to developing unique recipes from surplus ingredients, as well as how you would manage daily prep and cooking schedules.
