Assistant Chef

Abberley Hall is a co-educational school which takes children from the age of 2 ½ to 13.  The Prep school (age 8 to 13) is predominantly a boarding school.  The Nursery and Pre-prep departments are for day pupils only.  It operates in and around a Victorian country house which is set on a hillside amongst 98 acres of woodland.  The site is a mix of historic buildings, modern classrooms, sporting and arts facilities.  These are all connected by corridors and lots of stairs.

The safety and wellbeing of pupils is of paramount importance, and Abberley Hall has strict policies and procedures in place to mimimise any element of risk.  All staff are obliged to familiarise themselves with the School’s Safeguarding Policy and abide by its requirements.

Staff will undergo training appropriate to the role at the beginning of their employment and will be expected to abide by all relevant policies and procedures.

Due to the continued expansion of the school we are looking for an experienced chef to join our team.

- The ideal candidate will be able to produce and serve meals for up to 300 pupils and staff, working flexibly between 17 – 20 hours per week during term time.

- We are offering excellent rates of pay and the opportunity to develop and expand the role as the school continues to grow.

- There may also be an opportunity for additional flexible working in the summer to assist with the international summer school activities in July.

For further details please ring, in the first instance, Patricia Francis, Catering Manager, on 01298-891812.  Applications should be as for the format in the accompanying notes.

Main Duties

• Assisting the Kitchen team in the safe production , development & delivery of catering services to the food operation and all dining areas as directed by HeadChef.

• As an Assistant Chef you will be responsible for the assisting the kitchen team in the safe production & delivery of catering services to the food  operation  and all dining areas as directed by the Head Chef or Catering Manager 

• To assist in ensuring all customer issues are addressed, participate in a suitable rota to support commercial opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the  preparation, production,  presentation and service of food items for the pupils, staff and any functions, using standardised recipes, to quality standards set by the Head Chef, for the numbers determined by the Catering department 

• Assist the Kitchen Team in producing quality food in order to deliver the standard set by Chartwells Independent.

• To comply with the instructions of Head Chef in the control of the food cost budget.

• To advise the kitchen team of any shortages of suppliers to ensure company purchasing compliance is achieved.

• To participate in the development of menus and products via team meetings and customer feedback received

• To ensure that all food storage, preparation and service of all foods meet with all current legislative requirements.

• Ensure all foods are prepared, using methods of cooking where suitable, and that any food cooked in advance is correctly Blast Chilled, stored at below 3C and adequately reheated

• To advise if any menu items, are unavailable throughout service times, and food service staff are aware of correct portion sizes in accordance with production plan.

• To inform the Head Chef or Sous Chef of any malfunction of catering equipment.

• Ensure the kitchen and dining room areas are secured at the end of the evening and all equipment is switched off and secure

• Assistance in the preparation of, and assistance with, the service of special functions as specified by the Head Chef.

• Maintaining a neat and tidy appearance at all times, observing standards of personal hygiene as specified Food Hygiene Regulations 1974 and the Food Safety Act 1990.

• Report any pest sightings and ensure the outer kitchen doors are kept closed at all times, to prevent pest contamination.

• Undertake cleaning duties to maintain a tidy, clean and hygienic work environment.

• Such other duties as may be required from time to time which are consistent with the grade of the post

• Duties of the post may be reviewed by discussion with the post-holder after a time to facilitate career development and ensure the most effective service is provided.

Person Specification

• Minimum 1 year's in a similar Role.

• Food Hygiene Certificate

• Working Knowledge of the Health & Safety act 

• Dietary awareness.

• Presentable: High standard of personal hygiene.

• Be able to work alone and as a team.

• Be able to use initiative.

• Flexible hours eg early 6 am start and the possibility of occasional late finishes. 

• Good health record.

• Good communication skills.

• Knowledge of fresh food production.