Executive Head Chef in Street

An independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18 in Street, Somerset, catering for around 1,300 students daily. We provide a core feeding offer of breakfast, lunch and supper, along with vibrant hospitality provision. This is a 52-week contract and operates 7 days a week, with additional weekend residential activity for boarders. A key benefit to this location is the extensive campus setting and outstanding facilities in the heart of the Somerset countryside.

We are looking for a talented Executive Head Chef to join our team at one of our prestigious locations in Somerset. You will have previous experience of working within a fast-paced kitchen at Head Chef level (ideally within either contract catering - B&I or Independent Education). You will be excited to work with fresh seasonal ingredients & regularly changing bespoke menus which you create! You will be creative and have the opportunity to showcase your skillset every day.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS (TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES):

• To operate, monitor and control the Food Production and Service Production to ensure that the food is produced and presented to the highest possible standards, according to the stated Thomas Franks standards and all specified client requirements.
• Responsible for ensuring that the Thomas Franks Fresh Food standards are adhered to by all members of staff, making the best use of local, sustainably sourced and in-season produce at all times using the Company approved suppliers.
• Ensure that the menus are planned and devised for their nutritional value, making the best use of current food styles and customer expectations for daily service and any functions, hospitality or special events.
• Ensure the prompt service of all meals and service at all times to the company/clients standards.
• Restock and replenish stocks and consumables as required during service periods, pre-empt customer needs and achieve optimum customer service delivery.
• The Executive Head Chef must ensure that all production, storage and service areas and equipment are maintained in a hygienic and clean condition, demonstrating a thorough understanding of food safety and health and safety legislation on a daily basis.
• Practices are to be monitored and reviewed frequently to ensure standards are set and maintained effectively.
• Ensure that the preparation of all food for sale/service is prepared within exemplary standards of hygiene and food safety, ensuring that all members of subordinate staff adhere to these procedures on health, safety and hygiene at all times.
• Keep the Front of house informed of any food running out and pre-empt any delays in customer waiting.
• To assist in the preparation of planning menus, rotas, placing of orders.
• Ensure that the kitchen operates in line with current health & safety regulations.
• To attend meetings and training courses as required.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure attendance to all staff meetings as required.
• Ensure that all policies and procedural requirements of both legislation and company are adhered to in order to promote a professional and flexible approach at all times.
• To ensure personal presentation is of the highest standard at all times.
• Ensure all necessary checks are carried out in the service and associated areas for food temperatures.
• Carry out all reasonable requests of the management.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Team working abilities, listening skills, the ability to work on own initiative, impeccable personal presentation, hygiene and behaviour to others, Food hygiene certificate preferred.
• The ability to be adaptable and flexible as necessary.
• Reliable, honest and able to demonstrate an open attentive approach to customer service.
• Willingness to learn new skills and take some responsibility.
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding and use of verbal English.
• Ability to demonstrate a good standard of written English and reading skills.
• Similar experience of customer and/or food preparation environment is essential.
• Hold a recognised cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
• Hold at least a level 3 food hygiene qualification.

BENEFITS:

• Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc).
• Free meals on duty.
• Volunteers leave - up to one day per year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Recommend a friend bonus.
• Unrivalled individual training and development.
• Well established apprenticeship programme.
• Team & company social events.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.

We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under-represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.