Lead Chef

The University of Warwick has recently developed a new vision and strategic plan for food, drink and shopping experiences provided to its large and diverse customer base of students, staff and visitors. Delivery starts with the establishment of Warwick Food Group, a department of specialists and operators, passionate about people, planet and good food. Our goal is to transform our menus, facilities and customer experiences so that more people can benefit from a fresh take on food that nourishes body and mind. It's an exciting time to join us! We're expanding the Warwick Food Group management team to deliver our vision and build our reputation.

We are now looking to recruit a Production Lead Chef who will be critical to the team's success.

Your role will be to assist the Food Production Manager in the day-to-day operation of the production kitchen and across the Back of House in all WFG cafes, bars and restaurants. You will ensure products are prepared, cooked and presented to standard following all relevant food safety, health and safety and allergens legislation. You will supervise and support all kitchen staff and kitchen related activities whilst maintaining standards of hygiene and cleanliness and complying with food safety and allergens legislation. You will train and develop the various kitchen teams and control kitchen costs. You will deputise for the Food Production Manager in their absence.

Please note this is a Monday - Friday role 8am - 4pm.

Responsibilities

Planning:

Under the direction of the Food Production Manager, you'll ensure the efficient operation of the food business across WFG by managing stock levels, ordering required quantities of products, and assisting in the production of standard and bespoke menus while ensuring all food arrives as ordered to the correspondent outlets. You will optimize production schedules to minimize wastage and maximize profits and support the Food Production Manager with rota preparation while adhering to budgeted wage percentages. You will address maintenance issues in the kitchen and collaborate with F&B Managers to ensure seamless operations.

Operation:

You will plan and oversee the Kitchen Teams daily schedules to ensure timely production of all products, while leading and supporting the team to meet required quantities and adhere to recipe specifications. You will champion daily briefs to ensure clear daily tasks. You will work across various kitchen areas as needed and maintain clear communication with your line manager, team members, the product development team, and the F&B stock controller to ensure clarity on product specifications, allergens, and dietary requirements.

Team leadership:

You will ensure staff training is completed, records are updated and will assist with biannual PDR reviews to identify and address training needs. You will support the Food Production Manager in all aspects of training, learning, and development, ensuring staff adhere to hygiene standards, wear appropriate uniforms/PPE, and follow departmental SOPs. You will assist in recruitment and interviews to maintain staffing levels and manage costs. You will foster a positive team environment by coaching employees, setting clear objectives, and providing regular feedback and reviews. Additionally, you'll assist the Food Production Manager with administrative tasks, including managing sickness, annual leave, return-to-work processes, and other management responsibilities.

Health, Safety and compliance:

You will take responsibility for safe working practices, including the use of sharp knives, hot oils, cleaning agents, and manual handling, while ensuring the safety of others in the production kitchen. You will maintain and monitor records in line with the Food Safety Management System, including temperature controls for products and equipment. You will adhere to food safety, hygiene, and health standards, ensuring compliance by all kitchen team members. You will oversee the proper maintenance and safe operation of kitchen equipment, report defects, and ensure correct storage and use of cleaning chemicals and equipment. You will enforce allergen, food safety, and H&S regulations, ensure appropriate PPE is worn in relevant areas, and ensure all employees are trained and understand their responsibilities under the 1994 Health & Safety Act.

Championing our strategy:

Through the food you develop and excellent communication, you'll champion the principles of the Warwick Food Group. You'll actively lead the organisation in areas such as food waste, kitchen efficiency, seasonality, and food made from scratch. You will participate in marketing activities that help to build the food brand of the Warwick Food Group.

Skills and Experience

• Food Safety Level 3
• Relevant City & Guilds/NVQ Industry/experience
• Previous experience in a similar role
• Experience of line management
• Good knowledge of food production on all sections of a production kitchen and Food Safety and Hygiene Standards
• COSHH
• Health and Safety
• Allergen training / awareness and experience
• Food nutrition, intolerances, allergies and catering for medical conditions
• Strong interpersonal skills including leading a team with positivity. Excellent verbal communication
• Passion for building a team, developing and coaching people. People management skills including performance management, motivation and communication.
• Excellent influencing, presentation and communication skills
• Good planning, prioritisation and organisational skills
• GCSE or equivalent
• Drivers License
• Experience of menu costing and kitchen cost controls
• First aid at work
• Training/mentoring/coaching skills
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office