Chef

Chef – Canford Magna Complex

Location: Canford Magna Complex, Dorset
Working pattern: Five days out of seven, including weekends, with shifts covering breakfast, lunch, evening service and events
Pay: To be discussed, depending on experience

About the role

We are looking for an experienced, reliable and enthusiastic Chef to join our kitchen team at Canford Magna Complex.

Working closely with our Head Chef and Sous Chef, you will prepare and deliver quality food across breakfast, lunch and evening services, alongside catering for functions, private bookings and events.

This is a hands-on role with a varied workload. Some shifts will involve working alongside the Head Chef or Sous Chef; on others, you will take responsibility for opening the kitchen, leading service and closing down. You must be confident organising the kitchen and directing the supporting team when running a shift.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present dishes consistently to our agreed recipes, portion sizes and standards.
• Be able to open the kitchen and independently run breakfast, lunch and evening services.
• Support the Head Chef and Sous Chef with planning, preparation and delivery of event catering, including buffets, sit-down meals and larger functions.
• Review bookings and event requirements to ensure food preparation and service are ready on time.
• Take responsibility for the kitchen during allocated shifts, organising workloads and maintaining a smooth, efficient service.
• Allocate clear tasks to catering assistants and kitchen porters, ensuring they have productive work throughout their shifts and understand their responsibilities.
• Complete opening and closing checklists on every relevant shift, ensuring the kitchen is properly prepared for service and left clean, secure and ready for the next team.
• Complete and check all required food safety records accurately each day, including fridge and freezer temperatures, cooking, reheating and hot-holding checks, cleaning schedules and kitchen diary entries. Ensure all food is correctly labelled and dated using day dots, stored appropriately and used within its safe shelf life. Report any readings outside safe limits or other food safety concerns promptly and take the required corrective action.
• Check deliveries, store food correctly, rotate stock and monitor stock levels, reporting shortages to the Head Chef or Sous Chef.
• Control portions and minimise waste while maintaining food quality.
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house staff about orders, dietary requirements, timings and event service.
• Support the training and development of catering assistants and other kitchen colleagues.
• Report equipment faults, maintenance issues and any food safety concerns promptly.
• Contribute ideas for menus, specials and improvements to kitchen operations.

What we are looking for

• Previous experience as a Chef in a busy kitchen.
• Confidence running a kitchen service independently and taking responsibility for a shift.
• Experience preparing food for functions, buffets or events.
• Good organisation, preparation and time-management skills.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain consistent standards during busy services.
• A sound understanding of food safety, allergens, stock rotation and kitchen hygiene.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to give practical direction to catering assistants and kitchen porters.
• A reliable, flexible and positive approach, with a willingness to support colleagues and contribute to the wider team.
• Relevant catering and food hygiene qualifications are desirable.

Working arrangements

You must be available to work five days out of seven, including weekends and shifts covering our different services and events.

We always aim to give team members two consecutive days off, although this will depend on bookings and business requirements.

Pay will be discussed based on your experience and suitability for the role.

Join our team

If you enjoy varied kitchen work, take pride in the food you serve and can work both independently and as part of a team, we would like to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a brief outline of your relevant experience.

Pay: £15.00-£17.20 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 45.0 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person