A day and boarding co-educational school for pupils from year 3 to 6th form in Ashtead Park, Surrey. Catering for 950 students and teachers daily. We offer a core feeding of breakfast, lunch, supper, and tuckshop twice daily, 6th form café, internal and external hospitality. This operates 7 days a week with roles varying between term time only, term time plus 4 weeks, and 52 weeks. Additional benefits include free parking on site.
Thomas Franks is looking for an established Executive Head Chef to join one of its flagship locations. You must have a high-end events and weddings background alongside experience in education catering. You will use your culinary expertise and business acumen to drive the location's food vision, showcasing the best local & seasonal produce from our family-owned suppliers. Dividing your time between kitchen management and hands-on cooking, you'll develop menus, uphold the highest food safety standards, and inspire your brigade to deliver outstanding meals for every service.
The Executive Head Chef will manage both food GP and labour costs, provide strong leadership and direction to the brigade, and work closely with the Operations team to fine-tune the food concept within all outlets of the location.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS (TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES):
* Operate, monitor, and control the Food Production and Service Production to ensure that food is produced and presented to the highest possible standards, according to Thomas Franks standards and all specified client requirements.
* Ensure adherence to Thomas Franks Fresh Food and Brand Standards by all staff, utilizing local, sustainably sourced, and in-season produce using Company approved suppliers.
* Plan menus for their nutritional value, considering current food styles and customer expectations for daily service and any functions, hospitality, or special events.
* Ensure prompt service of all meals to the company/client’s standards, restock stocks and consumables as required, and pre-empt customer needs to achieve optimum service delivery.
* Maintain production, storage, and service areas and equipment in a hygienic and clean condition, demonstrating a thorough understanding of food safety and health and safety legislation.
* Ensure exemplary standards of hygiene and food safety are adhered to by all subordinate staff.
* Keep the Front of House informed of food running out and pre-empt any delays in customer waiting.
* Assist in the preparation of planning menus, rotas, and placing of orders.
* Ensure kitchen operations comply with current health & safety regulations.
* Attend meetings and training courses as required.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Attend all required staff meetings.
* Adhere to all policies and procedural requirements of both legislation and company to promote a professional and flexible approach.
* Maintain the highest standard of personal presentation.
* Carry out necessary checks in service and associated areas for food temperatures.
* Fulfill all reasonable requests of management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
* Team working abilities, listening skills, ability to work on own initiative, impeccable personal presentation, hygiene, and behavior towards others. Food hygiene certificate preferred.
* Adaptability and flexibility as necessary. Reliable, honest, and able to demonstrate an attentive approach to customer service.
* Willingness to learn new skills and take responsibility.
Knowledge / Competencies:
* Good understanding and use of verbal English.
* Good standard of written English and reading skills.
* Experience in customer and/or food preparation environment is essential.
* Hold a recognized cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
* Hold at least a Level 3 food hygiene qualification.
Benefits:
* Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms, etc).
* Free meals on duty.
* Volunteers leave - up to one day per year.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Recommend a friend bonus.
* Unrivalled individual training and development.
* Well-established apprenticeship programme.
* Team & company social events.
* Employee assistance programme.
* Workplace pension.
* Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.
About Us:
Thomas Franks is a founder-led, fresh food catering business focused on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion, and style. Our unique approach ensures our clients and people are paramount to our daily success.
Disclaimer:
All applicants must demonstrate their Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role. An enhanced DBS, identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and treats all applicants fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and do not discriminate unfairly based on conviction or other information revealed. For any post in a school, any application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and any criminal conviction, caution, or bind-over must be declared.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks:
We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion. We invite applications from groups currently under-represented, as we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and a better working life.
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