Company Description
Jamie Oliver is launching a Cafe in spring 2025, on Oxford Street in John Lewis. The Cafe will be part of the flagship Cookery School which will also launch in Spring.
Our cafe will offer a simple yet beautiful menu of salads, sandwiches and other treats. The food will be of high standard using brilliant produce.
Were looking for a Head Cafe Chef to run the cafe kitchen and deliver the Jamie Oliver Cafe menu to our exceptional standards.
Position
Youre here to lead the Jamie Oliver Cafe in John Lewis, ensuring the food and experience for all guests meets our high standards. Youre responsible for the delivery of the menu, oversight of the cafe team and operational management of the cafe.
Your ability, organisational and interpersonal skills will help drive the cafe to deliver exceptional customer experience alongside achieving financial targets.
WHAT YOURE HERE TO DO
As Lead Cafe Chef, youll lead the John Lewis cafe - with 5 core pillars of your responsibilities:
Food & Menu
* Ensure dish preparation in the cafe adheres to the specified recipes, presentation guidelines, and quality standards set by the Executive Development Chef.
* Working collaboratively with the prep chef, ensure all food for the cafe is prepared to spec, compliant to our food safety standards.
* Work alongside the Executive Development Chef to continuously enhance and improve the cafe offer
Guest Experience
* Oversee the appearance of the cafe counter ensuring it is always clean, organised, visually appealing and reflects the high standards of our brand.
* Ensure that the cafe, including the dining area, kitchen, and counter, is maintained to impeccable hygiene and cleanliness standards, creating a welcoming environment for guests.
* Champion a customer-first approach, ensuring that every guest interaction reflects our brand standards and commitment to excellence
Cafe Operations
* Order food, beverage, consumables and merchandise in an efficient and effective manner. Train other senior members to order. Ensure your team has an equally efficient use and care of these resources. A key objective is that the cost of sales percentage is in line with the budget.
* Alongside the General Manager, schedule labour in an efficient and effective manner
* Utilise our systems and processes to monitor and uphold adherence to all standards and requirements. Instil a sense of ownership in the team over these.
Food Safety & Compliance
You are responsible for our compliance with food safety, HACCP, H&S, and hygiene in the cafe.
* Food safety. Youll follow all food safety requirements, and ensure all food handling in the cafe is compliant.
* HACCP & Health and safety. You will follow all HACCP guidelines, and healthy and safety requirements.
* Hygiene and presentation. Youll have a high level of respect and care for the businesses, the teams and your own hygiene and presentation.
Leadership & Team Culture
* Embody and foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented environment.
* Be a present and approachable authority for the cafe team. As Cafe Chef, youre there to support and encourage the chefs to grow, and nurture a happy and healthy working culture.
* Challenge the team to improve and grow, in line with feedback and growth plans.
Requirements
WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR
Were looking for someone whos obsessed with food and passionate about people. Someone whos searching for their next big challenge that they can own and lead to success.
* Experience working in kitchens and delivering a cafe menu
* Experience in the operational side of a cafe - such as ordering and labour management
* Ability to work under pressure and be organised
* Positive, flexible and proactive attitude
* Maintain good working relationships with your colleagues and all departments
Other information
ANYTHING ELSE
* Working week: 40 hours per week
* The successful candidate will be able to work in and around Central London
* Our benefits package includes Health cash plan with Bupa, including 24/7 professional mental health support, pension via NEST and competitive holiday entitlement
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