Head Chef
Location: National Theatre, South Bank
Reports to: Executive Chef
Contract: Permanent - 40 hours a week
Salary: £55,000
World Class Hospitality
NT Food & Drink is a unique and dynamic partnership driven by Levy and KERB, embedded within the National Theatre on the South Bank. Our ambition to create a world-class hospitality destination at the heart of the world's most iconic theatre is powered by our progressive people-first approach, centred on environmental and social sustainability. We celebrate inclusivity with purpose, putting the development and progression of our future leader's centre stage. Our shared goal is to ensure all food and drink spaces support the NT's overall values, vision, and culture.
Purpose
Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. Particularly focused on events, over-seeing the Atrium café and the Blue room cafeteria. The main purpose is to manage the kitchen team, oversee food preparation, and ensure dishes are executed to the highest standards. The Head Chef must lead on inventory management, adhering to food safety and health and safety standards, record keeping, service execution, training culinary & FOH team. As Head Chef, you must inspire and develop your team to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Responsibilities
Event delivery
Assist with menu planning, dish specifications and preparation for events
Manage culinary team on events to ensure smooth execution
Attention to detail on every dish served
Deliver commercial and internal events according to function sheet specifications
Attend weekly function sheet meetings with the Events Team
Maintain exceptional high standards for all types of events
Conduct detailed briefings enabling them to perform to expected standards
Provide BOH & FOH team members with all HSE documentation required
Communicate effectively with FOH Event Operations team
Key Operations
Prepare and execute all menu items to specification with pride and attention to detail
Take ownership of menus, recipes and dish specifications for the Atrium café and the Blue room cafeteria
Assist with organising the culinary teams daily/weekly tasks
Ensure par levels of menu items are available across all outlets
Understanding of stock control, placing orders and maintaining par levels
Carry out regular stock counts for the culinary department
Team management & training
Line management of culinary team across all areas
Hands on approach to training with the culinary team
Ensure temporary staffing have the relevant information to complete tasks
Oversee staff training, including inductions, health & safety and event-specific training
Health & safety
Brief allergens and other key dietary needs clearly and effectively in a timely manner
Conduct regular health & safety audits of culinary areas
Ensure compliance with food safety and general HSE requirements
Equipment & logistics
Effectively manage all kitchen equipment including regular stock takes and maintenance
Liaise with logistics team regarding event requirements in a timely and efficient manner
Assist with laundry of kitchen linen and stock management
Using stock system to effectively manage stock transfers across departments
Personality
Leadership: Displays maturity, presence, and excellent stakeholder management with aligned interpersonal skills to interact effectively
Flexible: Embraces the agility required to manage multiple events simultaneously, with guest numbers of 200+. Open to adjusting working patterns within reason, as relevant to business requirements from time to time
People focused : Engages their team with the vision, values, and strategic direction of the business, coaching, mentoring, and developing individuals to grow
Embraces change : Innovates and leads the change discussion, focusing on improvements with key stakeholders, before enabling and empowering their teams
Detail-focused: Highly organised individual. Follows process and procedures to ensure smooth delivery of daily operations, including planning, to ensure all team members have the right information to deliver a seamless operation.
Safety Led: Leads by example on all HSE practices across the department and implements best practice.
Financial Acumen: Manages stock, wastage, staffing levels to the business needs
Benefits
Access to ongoing training and development opportunities through GROW program
Perks at Work - savings and discounts for everyday shopping and experiences
Generous holiday allowance with the option of to purchase additional leave
Private Pension scheme with a company match up to 6%
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Medicash Healthcare and Life Assurance
Long Service Rewards and recognition
15% off all outlets with the National Theatre, with a 25% discount in the Bookshop.
Kerb Card - 20% discount on drinks and 50% discount on food at Seven Dials Market.
Complimentary tickets to shows at the National Theatre (subject to availability)
O2 - last minute ticket offers for O2s show in our VIP box (subject to availability.)
Onsite parking - parking is available at a discounted rate of £4 per day
We strive to be a company that is inclusive in terms of age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation and ethnicity. We aim to create a working environment where everyone can be happy at work.
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