View Vacancy – Residence Chef/Cook – S2 (09/24 KG)

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience-based segment and the behaviors and technical/ professional skills-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

The Chef is responsible for the day-to-day catering and smooth running of the British High Commissioner’s Residence. The Chef will work closely with the High Commissioner and Events Manager to design, plan and prepare meals and refreshments for official events hosted by the British High Commissioner and wider British High Commission team. Working with external caterers on larger events throughout the year. 
The role is key to the UK’s image and reputation.  The job-holder will demonstrate proficiency in managing the kitchen, providing a high-quality service across a range of areas (food and beverage) as well as knowledge of a range of culinary skills. The job-holder will draw on their experience of different cuisines (preferably British and Rwandan), specialty ingredients, baking and patisserie. There are on average 2-3 lunch or breakfast events, and 1-2 evening events per week. For larger events temporary kitchen staff are hired. 

The Chef will work as part of a wider Residence and High Commission team to deliver UK objectives in Rwanda in line with UK values and best practice. The Chef is responsible for ordering and procuring supplies, ensuring efficiency and value for money at all times. 

We are looking for a talented dedicated, honest, flexible, creative and motivated chef, with a real passion for food. 

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Culinary preparation

• Design, plan and coordinate meals in accordance with set budget and requirements; adjust plans according to customer’s requirements (e.g special dietary requirements) and changing circumstances.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene to high standards, of kitchen/pantry areas and all tools/equipment including work surfaces and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Supervise British High Commission and contracted staff on food preparation and kitchen arrangements for events.
  Purchasing
• Ensure appropriate and timely ordering and purchasing of food online and other catering-related purchases from local suppliers.
• Ensure catering is on-budget, represents value for money, and that invoicing, and payments are transparent and accountable in line with the High Commission financial systems.
  Maintain Inventory
• Ensure quality of produce, efficient control of stocks and resupply to ensure value for money and minimum waste, and account promptly and fully of expenditure.
• Responsibility for the inventory in the Residence kitchen.
• Manage accurate inventory of drinks and food consumed, stored in fridges/ freezers, other drinks and cooking ingredients etc.
• Manage quality of raw food preservation, cooked food preventability and left over food preservation for future use within its shelf life.
  Hygiene and Cleanliness
• Ensure professional hygiene and health and safety standards in the preparation of meals, management of the kitchen and its equipment, keeping storeroom clean and orderly and reporting maintenance issues.
• Plan and implement deep cleaning of the kitchen every two weeks.
  Record Keeping
• Submit proposed menus and budgets to the High Commissioner consideration.
• Keep an accurate inventory of all receipts and log all expenditure.
• Maintain files of past menus and recipes.

Wider Support 

• Provide meals for the High Commissioner and family and appropriate domestic support as the Residence’s Chef/cook.
• Where not catering for an event provide support to the wider team in offering service to guests, welcoming guests etc.
• Participate in wider British High Commission corporate initiatives and L&D activities.
• Oversee growing of herbs in garden for use in kitchen.
• Oversee composting for Residence Garden.

• 5 years+ professional experience of continental and Rwanda cuisines; pastry and baking; cold kitchen, hot kitchen, canapés and desserts.
• Proven ability to cater for a range of events, from small family/official meals to large receptions and events.
• Ability to plan and execute menus independently.
• Fluency in English and ability to read and execute English recipes to a high standard.
• Good numeracy an ability to maintain a budget.
• High levels of discretion, with a resilient, flexible and ‘can do’ attitude and ability to work with others within the High Commission and Residence team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and make a good use of time when the Residence is officially quiet.
• Functional computer skills.