The Dukeries Lodge in Edwinstowe has undergone a £1.5 million refurbishment, transforming the venue into a beautifully designed pub, restaurant and 17-bedroom hotel.
We are now looking for an experienced and motivated Second Chef to join our kitchen leadership team and play an important part in the continued development and success of the business.
Food is at the heart of what we do, and we are continuing to develop our food offer with a greater focus on fresh food, quality ingredients and more preparation being carried out within the kitchen.
As our menu continues to move in this direction, this role will involve a high level of preparation and kitchen organisation alongside running busy services. We are therefore looking for someone who enjoys being hands-on, takes pride in preparation and understands that great service starts well before the first order comes into the kitchen.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes pride in delivering consistently high standards, enjoys developing others and wants to be part of an ambitious kitchen.
The Role
As Second Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager and wider management team to ensure the kitchen operates smoothly and consistently.
You will be confident taking responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, while working alongside another Second Chef and supporting the development of the wider kitchen team.
Alongside service, a key part of the role will be ensuring the kitchen is properly prepared for each trading session. This will include organising and completing prep, managing prep levels against anticipated trade, maintaining product quality and ensuring the team is working efficiently throughout the day.
We are looking for someone who is organised, dependable and genuinely passionate about delivering great food. Previous experience as a Second Chef, Sous Chef or in a similar senior kitchen position would be ideal.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager with the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
- Take responsibility for running the kitchen in the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager's absence.
- Help drive our move towards a more fresh-food-led menu and kitchen operation.
- Take an active role in food preparation and ensure adequate prep levels are maintained for anticipated trade.
- Organise and prioritise preparation across the kitchen to ensure the team is set up for successful services.
- Ensure all dishes are prepared, cooked and presented consistently to the required standards.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of the full menu, including ingredients, specifications and dish descriptions.
- Support effective stock ordering and ensure stock levels are controlled in line with company procedures.
- Ensure correct stock rotation, labelling, storage and temperature controls are maintained.
- Minimise food waste and help maintain effective portion and cost controls.
- Ensure food hygiene, health and safety and due diligence procedures are followed at all times.
- Ensure all required food safety and kitchen paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and ensure cleaning schedules are completed effectively.
- Ensure company policies, procedures and operational standards are consistently followed.
- Lead by example when it comes to personal hygiene, presentation and professional standards.
- Build positive working relationships across the kitchen and wider management team.
- Support, train and develop kitchen team members to help improve their skills, knowledge and confidence.
- Communicate effectively with chefs, front-of-house colleagues and the management team.
- Assist with the smooth delivery of busy services while maintaining quality and consistency.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties required as part of the successful operation of the kitchen.
About You
We would love to hear from you if you:
- Have experience working in a busy, quality-focused kitchen.
- Have previous experience as a Second Chef, Sous Chef or experienced senior chef.
- Are comfortable working in a prep-heavy, increasingly fresh-food-led kitchen.
- Enjoy working with fresh ingredients and take pride in preparation as well as the finished dish.
- Understand the importance of organisation and forward planning in preparing a kitchen for busy services.
- Are confident leading a kitchen team and running a service.
- Have a genuine passion for food, quality and consistency.
- Are organised and comfortable managing stock, food safety and kitchen standards.
- Enjoy developing and supporting other members of the team.
- Remain calm and organised during busy services.
- Have a positive attitude and are happy to take ownership and responsibility.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established venue following significant investment and become an important part of the senior team at The Dukeries Lodge, while helping us continue to develop the quality and direction of our food offer.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
