CHEF

Westholme Farm Social Club is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Chef to take responsibility for the day-to-day running and development of our kitchen.

We are looking for someone with a minimum of 5 years’ experience running a kitchen who is confident working independently, leading a kitchen team and maintaining consistently high standards.

The successful candidate must also have proven experience in catering for events and functions, including weddings, funerals, parties, celebrations and other private or community functions, as well as experience operating a food takeaway and delivery service.

Experience working with external food delivery platforms such as Just Eat is essential. The successful candidate should understand how to manage takeaway orders efficiently, maintain food quality during delivery and maximise the potential of online takeaway sales.

We are looking for someone who is creative, ambitious, commercially aware and willing to try new ideas to help develop our food offering and increase the kitchen’s contribution to the overall success of the business.

Key Responsibilities

· Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen.

· Prepare and cook high-quality food to a consistently high standard.

· Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen.

· Ensure all food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen standards are maintained.

· Manage food ordering, stock levels and minimise waste.

· Monitor food costs, portion control and profitability.

Menu Development & Business Growth

· Plan and develop menus, specials and seasonal dishes.

· Introduce new food ideas and concepts to attract new and existing customers.

· Be willing to trial different dishes, promotions and food offers to boost sales and business potential.

· Work closely with management to identify opportunities to increase food sales and profitability.

· Develop catering packages suitable for different events and budgets.

· Monitor customer feedback and use it to improve the food offering.

· Help develop promotions and initiatives designed to increase footfall and revenue.

Events & Function Catering

· Cater for weddings, funerals, parties, celebrations and other events.

· Plan and coordinate catering requirements for functions, including menus, quantities, timings and staffing.

· Experience catering for both smaller functions and larger events.

· Ensure food is prepared and served efficiently during busy functions.

· Maintain consistent quality and presentation when catering for large numbers.

· Work with management to develop and promote the club’s function catering opportunities.

Takeaway & Delivery

· Have proven experience in operating a food takeaway and delivery service.

· Experience using external delivery platforms such as Just Eat.

· Manage online takeaway orders efficiently and accurately.

· Ensure takeaway orders are prepared promptly and presented to a high standard.

· Understand the importance of food quality, portion sizes, packaging and presentation for delivery.

· Help develop a takeaway menu that is commercially viable and attractive to customers.

· Identify opportunities to increase takeaway sales through new products, meal deals and promotions.

· Work with management to maximise the potential of online food delivery platforms.

· Monitor takeaway customer feedback and make improvements where appropriate.

· Ensure the kitchen can effectively manage restaurant, function and takeaway orders simultaneously during busy periods.

Essential Requirements

· Minimum 5 years’ experience running a kitchen.

· Proven experience as a Chef or Kitchen Manager.

· Proven experience catering for weddings, funerals, parties and other large events/functions.

· Experience running a takeaway food operation.

· Experience using external food delivery platforms such as Just Eat.

· Understanding of online takeaway ordering and delivery operations.

· Experience planning menus and catering for different numbers of guests.

· Ability to manage large-volume food preparation while maintaining quality.

· Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking and kitchen operations.

· Good understanding of food hygiene and health & safety requirements.

· Experience managing stock, ordering and food costs.

· Ability to work under pressure, particularly during busy functions and takeaway periods.

· Reliable, professional and hardworking.

· Creative, commercially minded and willing to try new ideas.

· A genuine interest in helping to grow the kitchen and increase business potential.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for more than just a chef. The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking attitude and will be keen to play an active role in developing the business.

You should be someone who:

· Isn’t afraid to suggest new ideas.

· Enjoys creating new dishes, specials and menus.

· Has experience successfully catering for weddings, funerals, parties and other functions.

· Has hands-on experience with takeaway and delivery operations.

· Understands how to use platforms such as Just Eat to generate additional business.

· Can identify opportunities to increase takeaway sales.

· Understands the importance of online reviews and customer feedback.

· Can manage multiple areas of the kitchen during busy periods.

· Is commercially aware and understands the importance of controlling costs while maintaining quality.

· Is willing to experiment with new menus, promotions, meal deals and events.

What We Can Offer

· An opportunity to have a genuine input into the development of the kitchen.

· Freedom to bring new ideas and creativity to the menu.

· The opportunity to develop new food concepts, specials and promotions.

· The opportunity to develop and grow the club’s function, event and takeaway business.

· A supportive working environment.

· The chance to help grow the food side of an established social club.

· Competitive salary based on experience.

Interested?

If you are an experienced chef with at least 5 years’ kitchen experience, have a proven background in event catering and takeaway/delivery operations, and have the drive and creativity to help develop and grow a successful food business, we would love to hear from you.

Pay: £12.71-£15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 45.0 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person