Prep Chef (Cook) - British Airways Lounges

Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy; Reading; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

BaxterStorey invites applications for a lounge-host position at the HeathrowAirport lounges, where you will greet guests with five-star service and support kitchen operations across multiple sections. The role requires willingness to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and a passion for food and customer service.

You will prepare and present high-quality dishes, collaborate with the chef team, and ensure compliance with food safety standards throughout your shift.

Qualifications

• GSCE level education or above.
• Experience in foodservice is preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality dishes in your assigned section according to SOPs.
• Take ownership of your section and ensure ingredients, equipment and tools are available and maintained.
• Understand the menu and ingredients in each dish.
• Ensure dishes are visually appealing, properly seasoned and meet taste standards.
• Coordinate with chefs and kitchen staff for smooth operations.
• Collaborate to create innovative menu items meeting guest preferences and seasonality.
• Adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations, maintaining cleanliness in your section and the kitchen.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the business.
• Attend to reasonable requests from the client or BaxterStorey Management.
• Monitor and control food inventory, minimise waste and optimise ingredient usage.
• Communicate in basic written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices at all times.
• Willingness to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Customer service passion

Communication skills

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

GSCE or above

Job description

If you’re looking for a career that offers flexibility, excitement, and progression, then contract catering could be for you! At BaxterStorey, our career opportunities span industries from retail fashion to motorsport within roles across marketing, people development, sustainability, supply chain and more.

We invest heavily in training and development to give our people the confidence and industry knowledge to push the boundaries of hospitality excellence. There is endless opportunity to climb the career ladder (at any age or stage of your career!) and we offer over 500 courses across our business, from NVQ qualifications to our award‑winning Chef Academy, supporting you whether you’re starting or developing your skills as a lounge host.

Whenever customers visit the British Airways Lounges at Heathrow Airport, you’ll be there as a lounge host to greet them with 5‑star, BaxterStorey service. Friendly, confident and professional, you’ll be the face of our bespoke operation, making sure that delicious food and relaxation are available to every visitor.

Job Description:

Responsibilities will range from preparing and producing a variety of high-quality food items to fulfil our food offer through out the day. You must be willing to assist in all sections of the kitchen and take on additional responsibilities during peak periods or special events

• Prepare high-quality dishes in your assigned section according to our SOPs, ensuring that all food is consistently prepared to the highest standards
• Take ownership of your assigned section, ensuring that all necessary ingredients, equipment, and tools are readily available and properly maintained.
• Gain an understanding of the menu and ingredients in each dish.
• Ensure that all dishes leaving your section are visually appealing, properly seasoned, and meet the established taste standards.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with other chefs and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations and timely execution.
• Collaborate with the chef team to create and develop innovative and enticing menu items that meet guest preferences and seasonal availability.
• Adhere to all food safety and hygiene regulations, maintaining cleanliness and organisation in your assigned section and throughout the kitchen.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the business
• Attend to any reasonable request made by the client or BaxterStorey Management
• Assist in monitoring and controlling food inventory, minimising waste and ensuring optimal usage of ingredients.
• Ability to communicate in basic written and spoken English
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices, ensuring compliance at all times.
• Willingness to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Qualifications :GSCE level education or abovePrevious experience preferredAbility to display a real passion for food and customer serviceEffective verbal and written communication skills, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.Excellent organisational skills and ability to work efficiently under pressure, meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high standards.