Job opportunities

Executive/Head Chef

Executive/Head Chef (Full-Time, Permanent Position)
The Big Cat Sanctuary is a charity-based organisation, committed to protecting rare and endangered cats from extinction, through education, conservation and captive breeding programmes. Set in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside, the BCS really is a working environment like no other.

We are now looking for a talented and experienced hands-on Executive Chef or experienced Head Chef looking to step up to the next level, to lead by example and be at the forefront of planning, organising and preparing food for our luxury lodge guests, daily experience guests and special functions and events.

General numbers are 18 for dinner & breakfast (with food being pre-ordered) and 30 for lunch, so this really is an opportunity to focus on quality and consistency and leave the rat race behind.

As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high-quality and innovative dishes throughout the whole operation; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Directors. You will manage the overall kitchen operation as well as the day-to-day management of the kitchen team.

Duties include:
•    Design and create new food dishes to ensure beautiful, seasonal menus
•    Monitor costs through responsible ordering and stock control
•    Responsible for all aspects of food safety, health and safety and COSHH
•    Manage rotas and scheduling accordingly to the business needs, keeping a tight reign on wage costs whilst ensuring effective service delivery
•    Coach, train and develop the team, supporting them by providing guidance, advice and expertise and encouraging creativity

The ideal candidate will have:
•    Previous experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-quality Restaurant or hotel
•    Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce
•    A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail
•    Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a Kitchen brigade
•    Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas
•    Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing
•    A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures

This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Executive/Head Chef eager to join a unique organisation with ambitious plans.

Prerequisites:
•    Must have a full driving license and own vehicle as BCS is not accessible by public transport
•    At least 3 years experience cooking in a well-established restaurant, hotel or other establishment at a similar level
•    In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application 

Details:
•    Full-time, permanent role (40 hours per week, 10 over 14 days) working straight day or evening shifts on rota (07.00-16.00 or 12.30-21.30)
•    No split shifts
•    28 days paid holiday per annum plus Christmas Day as standard
•    A range of staff benefits & discounts