Culinary Lead / Kitchen & Training Manager

FareShare

Job Description ​​and Person Specification

Job title: Culinary Lead / Kitchen & Training Manager       

Reporting to: Regional Manager

Location: Knowsley, Liverpool

Contract type: Permanent

Hours per week: 35

Salary:  Competitive

Our Vision: A UK where “No good food goes to waste”. 

We are UK’s national network of charitable food redistributors, made up of 18 independent organisations. Together, we take good quality surplus food from right across the food industry and get it to approximately 8,500 frontline charities and community groups.  Every week we provide enough food to create almost a million meals for vulnerable people.

There has never been a more exciting time to join an organisation at the heart of public consciousness.  For more information visit:  www.fareshare.org.uk

FareShare is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities and as a Disability Confident Employer, we provide reasonable adjustments.

We aim to recruit from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our commitment to redistributing surplus food, come and join us!

The role

It is an exciting time to join FareShare Merseyside as we expand our new Coronation Food Project Hub in Knowsley.

https://fareshare.org.uk/news-media/press-releases/fareshare-expands-food-redistribution-in-merseyside-with-new-coronation-food-hub-opened-by-the-king/

We have a newly installed Commercial Kitchen and Training Kitchen at our new site.

We are looking for someone who is innovative, creative and passionate about reducing food waste. A Culinary Lead to maximise the kitchens’ impact and value in the local area.

The role will oversee the kitchen function, which will include preparing meals from surplus food for our staff and volunteers, visitors and the public and will also oversee catering for larger events as required onsite. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring the production of high-quality meals, maintaining food safety standards, and managing kitchen staff and volunteers. This role involves creativity in menu planning, cost management, and delivering excellent inclusive culinary experiences to all who dine at FareShare Merseyside.

The role will also oversee the training kitchen function, which will include liaising with staff, volunteers and visitors, and providing them with the skills needed to prepare meals using surplus food. This role will focus on working with the local community to ensure engagement is maximised.

Main areas of responsibility

Food Preparation & Cooking: 

• Prepare, cook, and present dishes of the highest quality in a timely manner
• Ensure all food is made according to the recipe and portion control standards. 
• Adapt menus based on seasonality and availability of surplus food
• Address any feedback or special dietary requirements to ensure a high level of satisfaction. 

Training: 

• To develop and coordinate the delivery of cookery courses to individuals of all ages and abilities within The Coronation Food Project Hub Kitchen, ensuring equipment, resources and ingredients are appropriate to each class. 
• To supervise members of staff supporting the delivery cookery classes.  
• To participate in staff reviews, appraisal and personal development scheme. 
• To undertake further training as required.  

Menu Planning & Development: 

• Develop and create new recipes in collaboration with the staff, volunteers and local organisations 
• Innovate dishes that align with the organisations concept and demand. 
• Monitor food trends and implement them in the menu, while maintaining FareShare’s brand and ethos.
• Create and deliver menus for corporate events

 Kitchen Management: 

• Oversee kitchen team, including training, scheduling, and managing their daily tasks. 
• Ensure proper stock control, including the procurement of ingredients, maintaining inventory, and minimizing food waste. 
• To source appropriate ingredients in line with a surplus sourcing ethos and guidelines.
• Manage food costs, portion control, and kitchen efficiency to meet budgetary requirements. 
• Ability to work well as a team and with onsite staff volunteers to ensure a smooth and efficient service
• Communicate effectively with team members and foster a positive work environment. 
• To promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice in line with FareShare’s policies and procedures. 
• To contribute to production of written work plans and reports and attend project steering group meetings. 
• To establish and maintain effective links with a wide range of statutory and third sector agencies and projects across Merseyside
• To work to guidelines from key stakeholders such funders, Public Health etc. keeping up to date with changes in food policy, strategy and dietary advice.  
• To work collaboratively with the team and with the partner organisations of FareShare Merseyside, attending regular team meetings. 
• To coordinate the production of appropriate publicity material. 
• Any other duties commensurate with grade and agreed with line manager. 

 Health & Safety Compliance:

• Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, with specific responsibility for the health safety and welfare of all personnel within their control including themselves and for ensuring the overall safe and compliant planning, implementation and monitoring of all activities. 
• Reports all accidents and/or incidents and near misses in accordance with the organisations’ procedures 
• Responsibility for the implementation of HACCP procedures and liaison with the relevant Environmental Health Officer 
• Follow all sanitation and food safety guidelines, ensuring all kitchen practices meet regulatory requirements. 

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of 3-5 years in a Chef/Kitchen Manager or similar role. 
• Expertise in various cooking techniques and styles. 
• Ability to engage with a wide range of people across the local community
• Strong leadership, time management, and organisational skills. 
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks. 
• Knowledge of kitchen safety, food hygiene, and sanitation regulations
• Intermediate food hygiene level 3
• First Aid Certificate 

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a charitable organisation
• Experience of working with volunteers in a charitable setting
• Experience within the education / training sector
• Experience of running Chef Development Programmes
• Experience of working with surplus food
• Culinary degree

Competencies and behaviours

• Creativity and passion for food
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Team-oriented and a strong leader
• A commitment to Equal Opportunities.
• An understanding of, and sympathy with FareShare’s mission.
• Flexibility of approach and ability to work in a team and across other internal teams.

Application process

For any further questions on this please email recruitment@fareshare.org.uk

• Hybrid / Flexible working, with regular UK travel
• 28 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• Employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Interest free bicycle purchase loan scheme
• Season ticket loan

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, 23 December 2024