Job Title: Wood-Fired Catering Food Production Chef
Job Overview: We are seeking a passionate and skilled Food Production Chef to join our outdoor wood-fired catering team. This role primarily involves food production during the week, where you will prepare and organise ingredients for upcoming events, with actual event work typically occurring on the weekends. However, depending on event bookings, you may also be required to work during the week. The ideal candidate will have experience in outdoor cooking and a strong understanding of wood-fired techniques. If youre excited about working in a dynamic, hands-on environment and creating delicious meals in an open-air setting, we want you to join our team!
Key Responsibilities:
1. Food Preparation & Ingredient Handling (Weekdays):
o Assist in preparing ingredients for wood-fired cooking, ensuring they meet quality standards.
o Follow specific recipes and prep instructions tailored to wood-fired cooking techniques.
o Organized and prepare raw ingredients (vegetables, meats, etc.) for cooking at upcoming events.
o Ensure that all food items are prepped and ready for use on-site, including marinating, seasoning, and chopping.
2. Wood-Fired Cooking & Food Production (Weekends & Events):
o Operate wood-fired ovens, grills, and smokers to cook a variety of dishes according to the menu.
o Monitor wood fire temperatures and adjust cooking methods as needed to achieve optimal results.
o Cook and grill meats, vegetables, pizzas, and other menu items to perfection in an outdoor environment.
o Plate and garnish dishes to ensure they meet presentation standards.
3. Event Set-Up & Breakdown (Weekends & Events):
o Assist in setting up the wood-fired cooking equipment at off-site locations, ensuring all tools, fuels, and food items are ready for the event.
o Ensure the cooking station is organized and safe before, during, and after the event.
o Breakdown cooking equipment, clean the area, and pack up after events.
4. Wood Fire Management:
o Maintain and manage the wood fire during cooking, ensuring consistent heat and adjusting the fire as necessary.
o Ensure wood is properly stored, monitored, and replenished during the event.
o Maintain a clean and organized firepit or grill area throughout the event.
5. Food Safety & Sanitation:
o Follow food safety guidelines to prevent contamination, including handling, storing, and preparing food in a hygienic manner.
o Keep cooking equipment, tools, and the food preparation area clean and sanitized.
o Ensure that all health and safety regulations are strictly adhered to during outdoor cooking events.
6. Team Collaboration & Customer Interaction:
o Work closely with other kitchen staff and event coordinators to ensure smooth operation during catering events.
o Help with serving food and interacting with guests, providing a positive experience when needed.
o Assist in managing food inventory and ensuring that all necessary ingredients and equipment are on hand for each event.
7. Transport & Logistics:
o Assist with the transport of cooking equipment, food supplies, and wood for outdoor events.
o Ensure that all items are properly packed, organized, and transported safely to event locations.
o Help with unloading and setting up equipment at the event site.
Qualifications:
* Proven experience in outdoor cooking, wood-fired cooking, or catering (preferred).
* Basic understanding of wood-fire cooking techniques and managing outdoor cooking equipment.
* Experience with large-scale cooking for events, including grilling, roasting, or pizza-making (a plus).
* Ability to work in diverse outdoor conditions, including variable weather.
* Strong attention to food safety standards and sanitation.
* Ability to work in a team-oriented, high-energy environment.
* Good communication skills for interacting with customers and team members.
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and during busy seasons.
Physical Requirements:
* Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
* Ability to lift heavy items and carry cooking equipment and supplies.
* Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks associated with outdoor catering.
Benefits:
* Competitive pay, including overtime and bonuses.
* Meal benefits.
* Opportunities for professional development and growth within the catering and hospitality industry.
* Flexible scheduling with opportunities for event-based work.
* Enhanced pension, private health care and more.
This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in an outdoor, wood-fired catering environment. If you enjoy working with fire, food, and nature, and you have a passion for creating incredible meals for events, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team!
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