Job Title: Head Chef of Events
Location: Bicester OX26 4SS, UK
Company: Absolute Taste
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Role Overview:
Absolute Taste is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head
Chef of Events to lead our exceptional culinary experiences across a variety of
exciting and high-profile events. From glamorous private parties and corporate
gatherings to large-scale public events, you will be at the forefront of
creating unforgettable dining moments.
This role is perfect for a passionate and skilled chef who
thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and relishes the opportunity to
lead large teams in delivering extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting
impression.
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Key Responsibilities:
1. Event
Planning & Collaboration:
o Partner
with the Operations team to meticulously plan and coordinate all event
logistics, ensuring seamless communication between departments.
o Oversee
timelines, delivery schedules, and on-site requirements to ensure events
are executed flawlessly.
o Liaise
with clients to understand their needs and expectations, ensuring these
are met or exceeded.
o Troubleshoot
any logistical challenges that arise during the planning or execution
phases, maintaining professionalism and adaptability under pressure.
2. Team
Leadership:
o Provide
strong leadership to large, diverse kitchen teams during high-profile
events, fostering a collaborative and positive working environment.
o Delegate
tasks effectively to team members based on their strengths, ensuring
maximum productivity and efficiency.
o Act
as a role model for professionalism and high performance, setting clear
expectations and maintaining team morale during demanding events.
o Conduct
pre-event briefings to align the team on goals, responsibilities, and any
specific client requirements.
3. Menu
Development:
o Create
innovative, seasonal, and bespoke menus that reflect Absolute Taste’s
commitment to excellence and align with the unique needs of each client
and event.
o Incorporate
current food trends, dietary requirements, and sustainability practices
into menu design.
o Collaborate
with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients, ensuring menus are
both creative and cost-effective.
o Adapt
menus on short notice to accommodate last-minute client requests or
unforeseen changes.
4. Rota
& Resource Management:
o Develop
and manage staff rotas to optimize coverage for events while balancing
workloads and respecting team members’ availability.
o Anticipate
staffing needs for both small and large-scale events, ensuring the team
is adequately always resourced.
o qMonitor
resource utilization, including equipment and inventory, to ensure smooth
operations and minimize wastage.
5. Quality
Assurance:
o Uphold
Absolute Taste’s high standards of quality by rigorously reviewing all
dishes for flavour, presentation, and consistency.
o Conduct
regular kitchen inspections to ensure compliance with health, safety, and
hygiene regulations, creating a safe and clean work environment.
o Implement
quality control processes during events, ensuring all food items meet
client expectations and company standards.
o Stay
up-to-date with industry regulations and best practices, conducting
training sessions to ensure the team remains compliant and knowledgeable.
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Qualifications & Skills:
* Proven
experience in a senior chef role, ideally within events or catering.
* Strong
leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and
motivate others.
* Exceptional
menu writing and culinary creativity.
* Excellent
organizational and time management abilities.
* Proficiency
in cost management, budgeting, and food ordering systems.
* Thorough
understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.
* Flexibility
to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required.