At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious menus for our community.
- Company: YMCA Norfolk, a value-driven organisation focused on empowering young people.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health care plan, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating an inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a fun and rewarding work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a commercial kitchen and relevant food safety certifications required.
The predicted salary is between 13.9 - 13.9 £ per hour.
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Lead Chef to lead our catering operations at YMCA Norfolk in Norwich. You will be responsible for overseeing food preparation and service, maintaining high standards of food quality, safety and hygiene, and supporting the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Working closely with the Catering Manager, you will supervise kitchen staff, create menus within budget, and help ensure an excellent dining experience for customers, young people and nursery children.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and cooking of high-quality food.
- Supervise and support kitchen staff, including rota management.
- Create menus and recipes within agreed budgets.
- Maintain food hygiene, health & safety and environmental health standards.
- Manage stock ordering, deliveries and stock rotation.
- Act as Duty Manager when required in the Catering Manager's absence.
- Resolve customer issues and ensure excellent service standards.
- Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Is experienced in a commercial kitchen environment.
- Is able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Has strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Is knowledgeable in food hygiene, health & safety and food storage requirements.
- Is able to supervise and support colleagues effectively.
- Is committed to delivering excellent customer service.
- Is reliable, organised and able to work to agreed standards.
- Is supportive of YMCA Norfolk's values, safeguarding responsibilities and inclusive culture.
- Is flexible and able to work unsocial hours when required.
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 in Catering/Food Preparation (or equivalent) is essential.
- Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety, Environmental Health and Food Hygiene requirements.
- Basic Knowledge of COSHH.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan
- 34 days (pro rata) per annum inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays
- An additional day of annual leave (pro rata) awarded after 5 and 10 years of continuous Long Service
- Access to contributory stakeholder pension scheme after 3 months
- Health and wellbeing events and activities
- Family friendly policies
- In service training opportunities and bursaries investing in your development
- Annual staff day and staff awards to celebrate our successes
- Death in service benefit of 2 x annual salary
- Regular line management and support
- Staff discount at Williams Kitchen Café, Explorers Soft Play & Muddy Puddles Nursery
YMCA Norfolk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic DBS check prior to starting employment. Written references will be obtained for the successful candidate that will cover the previous 5 years of employment.
Lead Chef in Norwich employer: YMCA Norfolk
YMCA Norfolk is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and faith-driven work environment, where employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. With a strong emphasis on Christian values, the organisation offers meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in the community while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a collaborative culture. Joining YMCA Norfolk means being part of a dedicated team that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the lives of its beneficiaries.
