National Trust
We’re looking for a Head Chef to join us. Because we are in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work, before applying for the job.
Benefits: we want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week. 5 out of 7 days a week, currently, the position is working 3 out of 4 weekends, but happy to discuss a rota. Typical shift is 8am – 4pm. No evening, or split shifts required. Work over weekends, bank holidays and school holidays is required.
An ideal candidate would have kitchen and management experience. Does not have to have ‘head chef’ experience, training will be provided. You will be able to lead a team, be willing to learn. Happy doing rotas, ordering, stock taking and menu planning.
Salary: £30,000 pa
Duration: Full time position, permanent role
Interview date: 31st January, 1st or 2nd February 2024
Potential start date: February 2024
What it’s like to work here
To find out more about what it’s like to work in a food and beverage team for the National Trust, click here to watch our video.
You will be based at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, RH5 6BD.
What you’ll be doing
As Head Chef, your main focus will be within the kitchen. But you’ll also work closely with the Food and Beverage management team to develop delicious menus using local produce, adapting to the seasons and working within the framework of our ‘National Trust Cookbook’.
You’ll look for new ways to increase income and meet financial targets through managing stock and waste. You’ll be preparing food from scratch using fresh seasonal ingredients. You’ll be confident in baking cakes, brownies and sausage rolls as well as making soups, stews and more.
You’ll support and manage the team, guided by the Trust’s values, empowering them to give the best possible service to visitors and helping to build a great place to work.
We’ll give you an induction that fits the job, and training in allergens and food safety, plus any mentoring needed to help you in your role. You can sign up for further professional training and development if you wish.
Please also read the full role profile, attached to this advert.
Who we’re looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- Experienced as a professional chef, with a passion for food and a friendly and positive attitude.
- Confident about following recipes and batch-cooking, and willing to learn.
- Aware of health and safety compliance.
- Happy leading a team, and able to set personal objectives and give feedback to help improve performance.
- Aware of budgets such as increasing income and controlling costs.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Tax-free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
- Independent financial advice
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
To apply for this job please visit careers.nationaltrust.org.uk.