Commis Chef

Eton College; City Of London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work

Subsidised lunches

Retail discounts

Job summary

Eton College is seeking a Commis Chef to assist the kitchen team with food preparation, cooking and service for pupils and staff, alongside hospitality and event catering.

You will work 40 hours per week in a term-time only position with training and deep cleaning days around each term. The role emphasizes high standards of hygiene, safeguarding, and teamwork within a busy school environment.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen experience in a similar role/environment.
• A Food Preparation and Cookery NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• A Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate.
• A genuine interest and passion for good food.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene, food safety and quality.
• Great attention to detail and the ability to deliver high standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve food as delegated by the senior chefs, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation.
• Support core catering services, hospitality events and other catering requirements in allocated kitchen.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Health and Safety procedures, including temperature monitoring and allergen management.
• Maintain a clean, safe and hygienic working area and ensure equipment/workspaces meet standards.
• Monitor stock levels, store and rotate stock, and help reduce food waste.
• Identify and report equipment defects or safety hazards to the senior chef on duty.
• Undertake training and development to improve culinary skills and knowledge.
• Contribute to a positive team environment and professional relationships with staff.
• Assist with duties outside routine activities, including kitchen portering and deliveries when required.
• Assist with special functions and events, including those outside normal hours.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food preparation

Cookery passion

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cookery

Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Role Introduction

We are looking for a Commis Chef to support the kitchen team in the preparation, cooking and service of food. The role supports the delivery of core feeding services for pupils and staff, as well as hospitality and event catering, whilst maintaining the highest standards of food quality, food safety, health and safety, and customer service.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Prepare, cook and serve food as delegated by the senior chefs, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, preparation and presentation;
• Support the delivery of core catering services, hospitality events and other catering requirements in allocated kitchen.
• Ensure compliance with all Food Safety and Health and Safety procedures, including temperature monitoring, food labelling, allergen management, cleaning schedules and due diligence records;
• Maintain a clean, safe and hygienic working areas at all times, ensuring equipment and workspaces meet required standards;
• Monitor stock levels, ensure stock is correctly stored and rotated, and assist in reducing food waste;
• Identify and report equipment defects, hazards or maintenance issues to the senior chef on duty, or catering management in absence of senior chef on duty and take appropriate action to make areas safe where possible;
• Undertake training and development activities relevant to the role and continuously develop culinary skills and knowledge;
• Contribute positively to the team environment and maintain professional and effective working relationships with colleagues across the department.
• Assist with occasional duties outside of normal routine activities, including kitchen portering, stores work and receiving deliveries when required;
• Assist with special functions and events, including those taking place outside normal working hours where required;
• Support the planning and successful delivery of major College catering events, including St Andrew's Day, the Fourth of June, and Leavers' Sunday.
• To undertake any reasonable request from senior chefs and management team;

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as 'regulated activity';
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, complying with all safeguarding procedures and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality;
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• Previous kitchen experience in a similar role/environment;
• A Food Preparation and Cookery NVQ Level 2 or equivalent;
• A Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate;
• A genuine interest and passion for good food;
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene, food safety and quality;
• Great attention to detail and take pride in your work - you're keen to deliver the highest possible standards;
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients and staff.

You may also enjoy this role if you:

• Have an organised and methodical approach to work;
• Have a flexible approach to work and a 'can do' attitude;
• Have the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-passed environment;
• Enjoy working on your own and as part of a team in a collaborative manner.

Working Pattern

• You will work 40 hours a week across 6 days.
• This is a term time only position plus working hours either side of each term to undertake training and deep cleaning.

Benefits

Working at Eton College comes with a wide range of benefits that recognise and reward our staff. These include a generous pension scheme with an 11% employer contribution (4.9% employee contribution), salary exchange for pensions and private healthcare, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced family-friendly pay. Colleagues also benefit from a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or significantly discounted access to the College's excellent sport and leisure facilities, and discounts with local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as "spent" under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College