The role
As Paella Chef and Mobile Catering Team Leader, you will:
- Cook consistent, high-quality paella in large pans at weddings, festivals, markets and private events.
- Take responsibility for cooking quantities, timings, presentation and portion control.
- Lead the event team from arrival and setup through to service and close-down.
- Allocate tasks and keep the team organised during busy services.
- Drive company vans between our base and event locations.
- Load, unload, set up and safely operate mobile catering equipment.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, allergen control, temperature recording and cleanliness.
- Monitor stock, ingredients, packaging and equipment.
- Operate tills and card-payment systems where required.
- Communicate professionally with event organisers, wedding coordinators, customers and other traders.
- Identify and resolve operational problems calmly and quickly.
- Report event results, stock issues, equipment problems and team feedback to management.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Has professional experience cooking paella, ideally in large pans or at high-volume events.
- Has experience leading or supervising a hospitality, catering or events team.
- Is confident cooking in front of customers and working under pressure.
- Can organise a team and maintain standards during busy periods.
- Holds a valid full UK driving licence and is confident driving company vans.
- Is reliable, punctual and comfortable taking responsibility.
- Can work weekends, evenings, bank holidays and longer event days.
- Is comfortable working outdoors and in changing weather conditions.
- Is comfortable with a practical role involving standing, loading equipment and manual handling.
- Has good spoken English and can communicate clearly with customers and colleagues.
- Has the right to work in the UK.
A Level 2 Food Safety certificate and allergen-awareness training would be beneficial, although training can be provided.
What we offer
- A full-time fixed-term leadership role for the 2027 season (March - December)
- £13.50 - £15 per hour, depending on experience.
- Paid assessment shifts before the main contract begins.
- Paid training in Crocus Paella’s recipes, systems and event procedures.
- Staff food while working at events.
- A varied working environment covering weddings, festivals, markets and private events.
- The opportunity to take genuine responsibility within a growing independent catering business.
- Potential for future seasonal or permanent opportunities, depending on business requirements and performance.
Recruitment process
We are recruiting in advance so that the successful candidate can become familiar with the business before the 2027 season.
The process is expected to include:
- An initial telephone or video conversation.
- A face-to-face interview.
- A paid practical assessment or event shift.
- Paid training and familiarisation sessions.
- References, right-to-work checks and a driving-licence check before employment begins.
Pay: £13.50-£15.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
