Head Chef

Head Chef

The Company

Birchgrove is an innovative build-to-rent operator, exclusively for the over 65s. We bring purpose to our work and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our colleagues and our customers. We put our colleagues and residents at the heart of everything that we do and love to make a difference.

Birchgrove Pepperpot House has views over Godalming to the Surrey Hills. It is on the former Mole Country Stores site and will include the restoration of the listed converted Cowshed at its entrance. Its town-centre location provides easy access to shops, restaurants, cafés and local amenities.

The Role

As Head Chef you will be expected to oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen with your Sous Chef and kitchen assistant, on a Monday Sunday Rota. Seen as a mentor to other members of staff you will assist the General Manager within the community. You will play a crucial role in the success of the restaurant by ensuring the delivery of high-quality food, managing kitchen operations, and maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

The Head Chef manages all food production within Pepperpot House and must ensure that high standards and high customer satisfaction are delivered, all kitchen services are efficient, and that the required Health and Safety measures are in place and adhered to within the department. In addition, is responsible for ensuring that food presentation achieves high standards at all times, meeting both customer needs as well as budgetary guidelines.

The role will take responsibility for maintaining and monitoring compliance with the relevant regulator and external stakeholders EHO, HSE, etc

The Person

The ideal applicant should ideally have:

• Experience as a chef within a hospitality environment
• Familiarity with overseeing food and beverage operations.
• Knowledge of financial management, capable of supporting budget management and financial performance analysis.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams effectively.
• Committed to enhancing residents' well-being and fostering a sense of community.
• Possesses adaptability and strong decision-making skills to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrates ambition and a results-oriented mindset.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, to meet development needs.
• Values aligned with our philosophy as outlined on our website

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities will include:

• To ensure all food prepared meets Food Hygiene Standards and ensure that safe methods of work are always used. Be aware of the legal requirements of Health and Safety legislation, including, but not limited to; the requirements of Food Safety Act 1990, Food Premises Regulations 1991, Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 and Food Safety (Temperature Control) Regulations 1995
• To ensure that all kitchen equipment, work areas and other facilities are maintained and operate to the standards required by Statutory Bodies, Local Authority, Health and Safety, Food Hygiene regulations and Company policies
• Manage and deliver all food catering services daily restaurant meals, events, snacks, etc
• Meets the special needs or dietary requirements of all customers. This must include knowledge of cultural and religious preferences
• Develop and review the menu on a regular basis with acknowledgement to seasonal changes in supplies, sourcing through preferred suppliers. Ensure all legislative guidelines are met
• Plan, develop and deliver balanced menus that offer interest, quality and consistency and which contribute to the on-going success and reputation of the business
• Ensure provision of cost-effective, chargeable services
• Monitor performance of suppliers quality and pricing feeding back to the General Manager
• Support cost-effective stock control systems and ensure these are in place to minimise waste
• Maintain a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen, and food storage areas at all times
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of all kitchen equipment. Reporting any item of equipment found to be faulty or deemed unsafe from use and report it to the General Manager and Maintenance
• Ensure the management and implementation of safe working procedures and practices in accordance with Health and Safety legislation
• Assist the Assistant Manager in the resolution of any complaints concerning the food catering service
• Work alongside the Assistant Manager ensuring that an efficient catering service operates in all catering areas
• The Head Chef will actively participate in events held onsite, liaising with the Assistant Manager and Wellbeing Coordinator to ensure needs and expectations are not only met but exceeded
• Attend and participate in food related forums/meetings
• The Head Chef will comply with the HR policies and procedures, providing a role model for departmental staff
• Actively engage in the direct kitchen team supervision including one-to-one meetings and a yearly performance review, ensuring the teams knowledge and competency is maintained
• The Head Chef may be asked to participate in the delivery of staff induction and mandatory training as agreed with the General Manager
• Keep up-to-date with current trends, seasonal and local specialties, and incorporate these into menu planning as appropriate paying special attention to neighbours requests and seasonality
• Ensure that all kitchen staff receive induction training and that all training is kept up-to-date in particular food hygiene and food safety
• Accountable for the achievement of all budgets and targets within the department
• Co-operate and support management colleagues to ensure that the overall site operations runs smoothly at all times

Why Work for us

• Opportunity for growth: We are committed to fostering professional development and providing opportunities for growth investing in our employees career progression.
• We foster a collaborative and innovative culture where ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged. We believe in working together as team to solve challenges and drive innovation all whilst having real autonomy of role.
• Birchgrove is dedicated to making a positive impact on our residents and the community. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that have a real and meaningful impact.
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome and valued.
• Birchgrove is known as the leading company in its field within the UK. Joining our team means being part of a reputable and respected organisation.

We are passionate about what we do and are looking for individuals who share our values and vision. If you are seeking a fulfilling career and a positive work environment, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our dynamic team.

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