Chef | Job in North Yorkshire

Yorkshire and The Humber region is a thriving culinary hub, and we are seeking an exceptional individual to join our esteemed team as a Chef. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate, creative, and dedicated professional to advance their career in one of the most exciting food scenes in the UK.

• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes following our restaurant's menus and recipes

• Ensure all dishes are presented attractively and served promptly

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment

• Collaborate with sous chefs and other team members to plan menus, order supplies, and ensure inventory is managed effectively

• Develop new recipes and contribute ideas for menu enhancements

• Adhere to food safety standards and safe working practices at all times

• Proven experience as a Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen environment

• Creative approach to cooking with a strong understanding of flavour pairings and presentation techniques

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team

• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail

• Current Food Hygiene Certificate and willingness to obtain any other necessary certifications as required by the position

• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and evenings as needed

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive training program to develop your skills further

• Opportunities for career progression within our organization

• Discounted meals on duty

• Employee assistance program for personal and professional wellbeing

If you're passionate about food, love working in a fast-paced environment, and are eager to grow your culinary career, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application, including a current CV, cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and two professional references.

We strive for a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please.

Role Duties

As a Chef in Yorkshire and The Humber, your primary responsibilities will be:

• Menu Development and Culinary Innovation: Design and create innovative, flavorful, and visually appealing menus that cater to the diverse tastes of our customers. Continuously research food trends and culinary techniques to keep our offerings fresh and exciting.

• Ingredient Procurement: Source high-quality ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring their freshness and suitability for use in our dishes. Maintain and manage inventory levels to prevent wastage.

• Recipe Development and Standardization: Develop detailed recipes for all dishes, ensuring consistency across all service periods. Train kitchen staff on these recipes to maintain uniformity in taste and presentation.

• Kitchen Management: Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including meal preparation, food production, and plating. Delegate tasks effectively to ensure a smooth workflow.

• Quality Assurance: Regularly inspect food for quality and adherence to established standards. Ensure all dishes are cooked properly and presented attractively.

• Health and Safety Compliance: Adhere to all health, safety, and hygiene regulations. Conduct regular inspections of the kitchen area and ensure proper sanitation at all times.

• Staff Management: Lead, motivate, and train a team of chefs and kitchen staff. Provide constructive feedback to help them grow professionally. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

• Menu Costing and Profitability Analysis: Collaborate with management to estimate the cost of each dish on the menu. Regularly review menu prices to ensure profitability and competitive pricing.

• Special Events Catering: Coordinate with event planners for special events such as weddings, parties, or corporate functions. Develop unique menus and oversee their execution.

• Continuous Learning and Improvement: Stay updated on culinary trends, techniques, and industry best practices through training, workshops, and attending food events. Apply this knowledge to continuously improve the quality of our offerings and the efficiency of our kitchen operations.

Skills Required

As a Chef in Yorkshire and The Humber, the following skills are essential for success in this role:

• Culinary Expertise:

• Proficiency in various cooking techniques (grilling, sautéing, roasting, etc.)

• Knowledge of traditional and modern culinary practices

• Understanding of flavor pairings, textures, and presentation

• Ability to create innovative and delicious dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients

• Menu Development:

• Ability to design and develop menus that cater to a diverse clientele

• Knowledge of food trends and dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)

• Creativity in designing specials and seasonal dishes

• Kitchen Management:

• Strong leadership skills to guide and motivate kitchen staff

• Ability to manage a busy kitchen environment, ensuring efficiency and safety

• Proficiency in inventory management and food cost control

• Knowledge of kitchen equipment maintenance and sanitation standards

• Customer Service:

• Excellent communication skills to interact with customers and kitchen staff effectively

• Ability to handle customer complaints gracefully and professionally

• Willingness to adapt to feedback and continuously improve service quality

• Continuous Learning:

• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including attending workshops, seminars, and culinary events

• Willingness to learn new cooking techniques, recipes, and trends

• Ability to stay updated with food safety regulations and industry standards

• Teamwork:

• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with the front-of-house team

• Ability to adapt to changing situations and prioritize tasks as needed

• Willingness to support fellow chefs and kitchen staff in their duties

Applicant Profile

I am a highly skilled and experienced Chef, seeking an exciting opportunity to join a reputable establishment in the Yorkshire and Humber region. With a strong passion for culinary arts and over a decade of experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team.

• Extensive knowledge of various cooking techniques and cuisines

• Proficiency in menu planning, cost control, and food presentation

• Strong leadership abilities with the ability to motivate and guide a team

• Exceptional culinary creativity and innovation

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Familiarity with HACCP and food safety regulations

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks efficiently

• Led a team of 10 chefs in a high-end restaurant, consistently delivering exceptional food quality and exceptional service.

• Developed and implemented new menu items, contributing to a 25% increase in average check size.

• Managed inventory and ensured cost control, reducing waste by 30%.

• Conducted regular staff training sessions to improve skills and maintain high standards.

• Assisted the Head Chef in overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu development and staff management.

• Trained new team members and provided guidance to improve their skills and knowledge.

• Worked closely with the front of house team to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction.

• Diploma in Professional Cookery

• Certificate in Food Hygiene and Safety

I am an innovative and dedicated Chef with a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your team and help contribute to the continued success of your establishment. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity further.

Expected Duties

In this role as a Chef in Yorkshire and The Humber, you will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Menu Planning and Creation: Develop innovative, delicious, and nutritious menus that cater to a diverse clientele. Ensure menu items are fresh, seasonal, and adhere to any dietary requirements or restrictions.

• Recipe Development and Implementation: Create original recipes that align with the restaurant's concept and quality standards. Adapt recipes based on ingredient availability and guest preferences.

• Ingredient Procurement: Source fresh, high-quality ingredients from local suppliers. Maintain inventory records to ensure a steady supply of necessary items.

• Staff Management: Supervise and mentor culinary team members, providing guidance on proper food preparation techniques, safety protocols, and menu execution. Foster a positive and productive work environment.

• Kitchen Management: Oversee all aspects of the kitchen, including equipment maintenance, cleanliness, and organization. Ensure smooth operations during service hours to maintain efficient food production and minimize waste.

• Quality Control: Taste dishes throughout the day to ensure consistent quality. Address any issues promptly to maintain high standards for food presentation, taste, and safety.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Front of House team to ensure guest satisfaction. Communicate effectively with waitstaff regarding menu changes, specials, and allergy information.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends, new cooking techniques, and culinary innovations. Attend tastings, workshops, or classes as needed to expand your skills and knowledge base.

• Compliance: Adhere to all relevant health, safety, and sanitation regulations. Conduct regular checks on kitchen equipment, food storage areas, and team member hygiene practices.

• Creativity and Innovation: Constantly strive to improve menu offerings, presentation techniques, and service standards. Seek opportunities to collaborate with fellow chefs and local food producers to expand your culinary skills and network.

Company Background

Company Background

Welcome to The Yorkshire Kitchen, a prestigious and long-standing culinary establishment nestled in the heart of Yorkshire and The Humber region. Established over two decades ago by the renowned Chef Thomas Whitehead, our restaurant has grown from a humble local eatery into a nationally recognized dining destination, known for its exceptional food, warm atmosphere, and impeccable service.

Set within a beautifully restored Victorian building, The Yorkshire Kitchen prides itself on using only the finest locally-sourced ingredients to create innovative, contemporary dishes that pay homage to Yorkshire's rich culinary heritage. Our commitment to sourcing the best produce from the region ensures our menus are seasonal and ever-changing, allowing us to showcase the very best of Yorkshire's larder throughout the year.

Our mission is simple: To provide our customers with an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the very best of Yorkshire and The Humber. We achieve this by combining outstanding food with exceptional service in a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure every guest leaves feeling contented and eager to return.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking an ambitious, creative, and passionate Chef to join our talented kitchen team. If you have a strong culinary background, a passion for food, and a desire to be part of something truly special, then The Yorkshire Kitchen could be the perfect place for you to flourish and grow your career. We look forward to welcoming you to our family and introducing you to the delights of Yorkshire and The Humber's culinary scene.

Job Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, this Chef role in Yorkshire And The Humber offers an array of benefits designed to support your personal and professional growth:

• *Career Development:

• Ongoing training and development opportunities are provided to help you advance your culinary skills and build a successful career within the industry.

• *Meal Provision:

• As a Chef, you'll enjoy freshly prepared meals during your work hours, giving you an insight into our food offerings and ensuring you never go hungry!

• *Discounts:

• Enjoy generous discounts on food and beverages across all of our establishments. Share this benefit with friends, family, or colleagues to make dining out more affordable.

• *Pension Scheme:

• Secure your future with our contributory pension scheme, which helps you save for retirement while receiving employer contributions as well.

• *Health and Wellbeing:

• Boost your physical health through access to our state-of-the-art fitness facilities, offering a range of equipment and classes to suit all abilities. Mental health support is also available, ensuring that help is just a phone call away should you ever need it.

• *Flexible Working Hours:

• We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer flexible working hours, allowing you to plan your schedule around personal commitments and outside interests.

• *Employee Assistance Programme (EAP):

• Access a wealth of resources through our Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling services, legal advice, and practical support with everyday matters.

• *Recognition and Rewards:

• Your hard work and dedication will be recognized through our rewards scheme, which includes annual awards ceremonies, regular team appreciation events, and the opportunity to earn bonuses based on your performance and contributions.