Head Chef - Dartford, United Kingdom - Spring Community Hub
Description
Spring Kitchen (part of Spring Community Hub) is seeking a highly skilled and passionate head chef to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in preparing nutritious and balanced meals for children in a large-scale setting. The chef will be responsible for creating seasonal menus, managing orders, budgeting, and preparing meals for over 500 children per day, during school holidays.
Primary duties include:
?Menu Development: Design and create nutritious, balanced, and age-appropriate menus for children. Menus should emphasise seasonal and fresh ingredients while considering dietary restrictions and allergies. The chef must also be able to create culturally appropriate meals.
?Food Preparation: Prepare meals on a large scale, ensuring quality, flavour, and nutritional value. Ensure proper food safety and hygiene standards are met at all times. Must follow School Standards for food preparation and menu planning.
?Ordering and Inventory Management: Order food and supplies according to menu requirements. Maintain accurate inventory records and manage food storage to minimise waste.
?Budgeting and Cost Control: Manage the kitchen budget, controlling costs while maintaining high-quality meals. Develop strategies to minimise food waste and improve cost efficiency.
?Team Management: Lead a team of kitchen staff (volunteers), ensuring effective communication, coordination, and teamwork. Provide training and guidance as needed.
?Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations. Conduct regular inspections and audits to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
?Communication with Local Authorities, Parents, Staff and Partners: Communicate with stakeholders about menu options, special dietary needs, and food-related concerns. Address any issues or complaints promptly and professionally.
Person Specification
.?Excellent written and fluent spoken English.
?Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and adapt to changing priorities.
?A genuine interest in promoting healthy eating habits for children.
?Excellent listening skills
?Education (at least one of the following): NVQ Level 2 ProfessionalCookery (Food Preparation and Cooking) and City & Guilds 706/1
?Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with a focus on catering for children or large-scale food preparation.
?Skills: Strong culinary skills with expertise in nutrition and healthy eating. Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices. Excellent organisational and communication skills.
?Certifications: Food Safety Certification (minimum Level 2) is required.
This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
HOURS OF WORK
Core hours are 6am - 2pm Monday - Friday during school holidays (half terms, summer etc). Occasional weekend work for events.
HOW TO APPLY
Email CV and supporting Statement of no more than 2 A4 pages Demonstrating your experience and How you meet the Person Specification, Key Competencies outlined in the Role Description
Please also include the names of 2 referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer (references will not be taken up until after interview for the successful candidate)