Head Chef at Holy Cross Catholic International School

Job Description

• We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to join our dedicated team at Holy Cross Catholic International School. As the Head Chef, you will play a vital role in providing nutritious and wholesome meals to our students while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and hygiene. The Head Chef is responsible for ensuring that the standard and quality of the food production and the hygiene within the department is maintained at the highest level at all times. This role is very much hands-on, requiring attention to detail and a positive work attitude.

The Ideal Candidate:

• The ideal candidate will contribute to the success of the school by delivering a first-class service in providing hot meals to staff and students that are nutritionally balanced and meet all religious and dietary requirements. It is essential that the post holder is able to work as part of a team and get along with a wide range of stakeholders.

Purpose of job:

• To undertake the planning, preparation, serving and clearing away of school meals.

Main Tasks:

Supervise the preparation of all food

• Ensure all food is prepared as per food preparation requirements
• Ensure meals are produced on time, and sufficient quantities are available for the various areas
• Maintain stock levels of all kitchen supplies
• Prepare daily pastry and bakery requirements as per the menu
• Be available for functions as they arise to ensure that the food is prepared and served as required

Oversee and supervise all kitchen staff

• Ensure all staff are aware of their duties and what is expected of them
• Teach new staff skills they require to perform their roles to the required standard
• Delegate duties to kitchen staff as per the menu requirements
• Oversee and monitor the work of kitchen staff to ensure all tasks are done as required
• Give staff feedback on their performance to enable staff development
• Ensure any staffing issues are resolved fairly and quickly

Manage kitchen stocks

• Ensure wastage is minimised by careful supervision of food preparation methods
• Ensure proper hygienic storage methods are utilised to prevent food loss
• Ensure the security of all drink stocks
• Oversee the ordering and control of stock levels

Ensure catering staff are working safely at all times

• Ensure staff are aware of and follow safe work practices at all times
• Assist other staff in the cleaning of the kitchen at the end of the shift
• Ensure his/her own work station is kept clean and hygienic at all times

Manage the Catering Department

• Manage the Catering Department
• Assist the day-to-day running of the catering department
• Pay careful attention to the operating budgets of the department to ensure that costs are controlled to maintain the correct levels of spending

Lead Catering Services for Special and Out-of-School occasions

• Manage catering for a big number of people especially during special and out-of-school occasions such as open days, bootcamps, festivals, graduations, awards et cetera.

Skills and Abilities Required

• The Candidate must be a Practising Catholic who embraces the teachings of the Catholic Church
• A qualified Chef; Certification in culinary arts, food management, or a related field and knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements, especially for children.
• Proven experience and success as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, preferably in an educational or institutional setting.
• Punctual, organised and trustworthy
• Professional appearance
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to motivate staff
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to resolve conflict in a constructive manner
• Ability to solve problems and think-on-your-feet
• Willingness to take initiative and make decisions
• Ability to delegate tasks effectively
• Commitment to upholding the values and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.