Cafe & Events Chef

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Café and Events Chef to join our team on a part-time basis, with the opportunity for overtime and potential to transition into full-time hours. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute your culinary skills to both our daily café operations and private events. You will work closely with the Enterprise Development Manager and Head Chef, assisting in planning and executing menus, ensuring that both café dishes and event catering meet the highest standards of quality and creativity.

Key Responsibilities:

Café Operations:

Prepare and cook a variety of dishes for the café's menu, ensuring high standards of quality, taste, and presentation.

Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and safe, adhering to food safety and hygiene protocols.

Assist in managing kitchen inventory, ensuring stock levels are maintained, and minimising food waste.

Collaborate with the front-of-house team to ensure a seamless experience for customers.

Event Catering:

Assist the Head Chef in planning and executing menus for private events such as weddings, corporate functions, and parties.

Help adapt menus based on client preferences, dietary restrictions, and seasonal ingredients.

Prepare and deliver food for events, ensuring timely and high-quality service.

Ensure food is presented and served to the highest standard that reflects the event's theme and client's expectations.

Menu Planning & Development:

Work closely with the Head Chef in planning and developing new seasonal and event-specific menus.

Contribute creative ideas and suggestions for menu items, drawing inspiration from current trends, ingredients, and customer preferences.

Ensure that menu items align with both the café's brand and event clients' needs.

Help monitor and assess menu performance, making adjustments based on customer feedback and sales data.

Team Collaboration & Support:

Assist in managing the kitchen team during shifts, ensuring that food preparation and cooking run smoothly.

Mentor and support junior kitchen staff, helping them develop their skills and adhere to operational standards.

Maintain a positive and efficient work environment, working collaboratively with both kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Operational Support:

Assist in maintaining kitchen equipment, ensuring it's clean, functional, and properly stored.

Contribute to inventory management, ordering supplies, and controlling food costs.

Work with the Head Chef and Enterprise Development Manager to streamline kitchen operations and improve efficiency.

Qualifications & Skills:

Proven experience as a Chef, in a similar role, ideally with both café and event catering experience.

A strong passion for food, with a focus on creativity, presentation, and quality.

Ability to assist in menu planning, contributing innovative ideas and adapting menus based on seasonal availability and customer needs.

Strong organisational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently.

Knowledge of food safety regulations and the ability to maintain a safe and clean kitchen environment.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Formal culinary training or certification.

Knowledge of dietary restrictions and allergen management.

If you are a creative and motivated chef with a passion for menu planning and both café and event catering, we would love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Experience:

• Chef: 1 year (required)
• Cooking: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person