Job description

The British Ambassador’s Residence has an excellent team of staff responsible for the well being and entertainment of all guests within the Residence.  Being one of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) most prestigious Residences, it involves a vast programme of events and visits that requires the utmost professionalism to aid in this essential part of diplomatic life.  The Head Chef is an extremely important position to lead and manage this highly effective team of three (Two chefs de partie and a kitchen porter).  This position reports directly to the residence manager.

Please note, relocation will not be provided.  Interested applicants will be responsible for their own relocation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Kitchen Management

• Produce weekly/monthly Schedules for all kitchen staff in accordance with the long term program.
• Advise on maintenance contracts relating to all kitchen equipment.
• Must be up to date with health and safety regulations, and ensure that all staff are aware and follow best practice.
• Ensure stocks and equipment are well kept, clean, inventoried and monitored.
• Produce annual proposals for equipment needs. 
• Responsible for maintaining appropriate food/stock costs/value and reporting to management.

Staff Management and Development

• Lead and develop kitchen staff to produce the highest quality menus using innovative culinary techniques, and modern management practices.
• Propose, organise and execute staff training for long term development.
• Identify and arrange for staff to produce specific menu items in order to validate training.
• Actively follow staff management policy and the appraisal process.

Event Operations

• Create menus for the entertaining schedule according to the needs of the Ambassador and his wife.
• Submit menus for approval in a timely fashion.
• Coordinate with the butler to ensure culinary service is executed according to the standard of the Residence.
• Be able to adapt to guests with dietary restrictions and last minute changes to the entertainment schedule.
• Provide the butler with detailed content of meals for the correct wine pairing and service.

Promote excellence in Culinary Practice

• Menus should be based on available fresh ingredients, locally or regionally sourced wherever possible.
• All food should be prepared from scratch e.g. bread, hors d’oeuvres.
• Food preparation should be done as close to the point of service as possible.
• Control and accountability for stocks.
• Consideration should be given to common sustainable practices in menu creation and organic food choices where possible

Minimum Qualifications/Experience

• At least 7 years of culinary experience at the highest level is required. 
• European culinary knowledge is essential.  A culinary degree is preferred.
• Excellent supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills with a proven history of leading high performing culinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to communicate on various levels.Understanding of financial, budgetary, and food control practices.
• Proven dedication and adaptability to the culinary profession.This position requires irregular working hours such as early morning, weekends, shifts, and holidays. 
• Therefore the successful candidate must have flexible scheduling availability.
• Must have full knowledge of food safety and sanitary procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A Visa holders. If you hold a Visa other than an A Visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

The British Embassy Network offers a competitive salary and a strong benefits package.  This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

Compensation

this position is:

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline