Job Title: Head Chef
Reporting to: Catering Manager
Job Purpose
To lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring the delivery of high quality, nutritious, home-cooked meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, customer service, and staff supervision.
General Description
The postholder must be a mature, flexible team leader with experience of working with and supervising staff in a busy catering environment. As Head Chef, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchens and be able to manage, lead, motivate, and develop the team. The postholder must be prepared to contribute to all aspects of the catering department and be willing to support other team members in their duties. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, together with a positive attitude, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) is desirable; candidates with NVQ Level 2 and significant relevant experience will also be considered
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or a willingness to attain this within the first 6 months of employment)
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a high-volume catering environment
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Staff Management
- Supervise catering staff within the kitchen
- Monitor staff to ensure compliance with Health and Safety and Environmental Health Regulations
- Assist with the kitchen rota and ensure all shifts are adequately supervised
- Supervise staff during food preparation and service, ensuring consistent standards of food quality and presentation
- Conduct Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) and support the training and development of kitchen staff
- Support the maintenance of appropriate staffing levels and assist with recruitment where required
Food Safety, Hygiene and Compliance
- Comply with current Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations and maintain the standards required to retain a 5-star Food Hygiene rating
- Ensure compliance with all food allergen legislation, including staff training, accurate allergen information, and safe preparation procedures to minimise the risk of cross-contamination
- Comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety legislation detailed in the Walsingham College Trust Association Policy Statement
- Comply with safeguarding policy and procedures and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
- Ensure effective cleaning and maintenance of kitchen areas and equipment.
- Ensure all kitchen paperwork is completed, including cooking logs and cleaning schedules
Menu and Food Production
- Prepare food in accordance with approved menus
- Assist the Catering Manager in developing and reviewing seasonal menus
- Manage the preparation of meals for special events and dinner parties
- Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control
- Prepare non-menu meals to meet special medical or dietary requirements
Operational and Service
- Ensure sufficient staff are allocated to the hatch during service
- Assist with stock control, ordering, and the minimisation of food waste
- Support budget management and cost control
- Report any problems with food or cooking equipment to the Catering Manager
Pilgrim Support and Other Duties
- Respond to pilgrim concerns in a firm, sensitive, and courteous manner, referring serious issues to the Catering Manager
- Support pilgrims and ensure, wherever possible and practicable, that their needs are met
- Carry out any other duties as directed by the Catering Manager
Environment
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is a Christian pilgrimage centre set in extensive grounds with accommodation for 200 pilgrims at any one time. It is not expected that the postholder will be a member of a church, but they should be in sympathy with the aims and purpose of the Shrine. An induction programme is provided to support this.
The Pilgrim Refectory is a large modern building with a dining room seating 180 and a cafeteria seating 50. The kitchen produces over 90,000 meals a year during the season.
Safeguarding
WCTA Ltd is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A satisfactory DBS check will need to be returned prior to commencement of employment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £33,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
