Commis Chef

National Trust; Dorking; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A heritage organization is seeking a passionate Commis Chef to join their team at Polesden Lacey, near Dorking. You will create exciting dishes using the National Trust Cookbook while managing a small kitchen team. Applicants should have experience in a busy catering environment and a commitment to high standards of customer service. This full-time role requires working weekends and offers great benefits including a health cash plan and career development opportunities. Transport to the location is necessary due to limited access.

Benefits

Health cash plan

Pension contribution match

EAP and Health Wellbeing services

Discounted gym membership

Career training opportunities

Free entry to NT properties

Discounts on holiday cottage bookings

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a fast-paced catering environment.
• Understanding of Health & Safety compliance requirements.
• Track record of delivering exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare delicious food using the National Trust Cookbook framework.
• Maximise income opportunities by minimising waste and controlling costs.
• Ensure kitchens are compliant with food hygiene legislation.
• Supervise volunteers as required.

Skills

Passionate about food

Customer focused

Great communication skills

Good team player

Creative and proactive

IT literate

Numerate

Experience in catering environment

Exceptional customer service

Health & Safety compliance knowledge

Job description

We’re looking for a Commis Chef who demonstrates their passion for customer satisfaction, food quality and presentation through each of their culinary creations. You will be creating exciting sandwiches and salads from our National Trust cookbook whilst leading a small team in our preparation kitchen.

You'll be required to work 8am-4am 5 days a week which will include weekends.

What it's like to work here

It’s an exciting time to work at the celebrated Edwardian retreat of Polesden Lacey. New areas of the property have opened to the public, making this a year-round attraction with lots of opportunities within the team. The property boasts glorious views of the surrounding Surrey Hills, as well as an impressive art collection, manicured gardens and a large National Trust Shop. Colleagues have a great team spirit with close links to the local community. This picturesque property is just four miles outside of Dorking, however you’re likely to need your own transport to get here.

Everything in the garden reflects Mrs. Greville's desire to impress her guests with lavish displays, garden tours are available through the day in summer and weekends in the winter.

What you'll be doing

With your love of food and your appetite to provide an exceptional service to your customers, you’ll work with the National Trust Cookbook framework to prepare delicious food. You’ll always be looking to maximise income opportunities by minimising waste and controlling costs and resources. With your attention to detail you’ll ensure each dish is fresh, tasty and beautifully presented every time.

To make this happen we need to ensure our kitchens are presented to the highest standard and are compliant with all relevant legislation around food hygiene and COSHH. You will work effectively with the team to deliver great results. You may also be required, on occasions to supervise volunteers.

Who we're looking for

• Passionate about food
• Customer focused with great communication skills
• A good team player
• Creative and proactive
• IT literate
• Numerate
• Experience of working in a fast paced, catering environment
• A track record of delivering exceptional customer service
• Practical experience of delivering catering best practice
• A good working knowledge of Health & Safety compliance requirements including any qualifications

The package

• Health cash plan – from as little as £3.09 per month for you and your dependents
• Pension contribution match up to 10%
• EAP and proactive Health and Wellbeing
• Discounted gym membership at over 100 leisure facilities across the country

Looking after your career

• Grow your career through professional training courses across the Trust
• Develop your skills with an internal secondment
• Pay review linked to values and behaviours, commitment to progression
• Work in some of the most beautiful, iconic and unique locations in the UK
• Free entry to NT properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• 20% off in our Retail and Food & Beverage outlets
• Discount up to 35% off a National Trust holiday cottage booking

If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have not been selected for an interview on this occasion. Thank you and good luck.