A Private Permanent Chef/Cook is required to manage the running of the cooking and kitchen in a large private household on a beautiful rural Estate. This is a really wonderful opportunity for a capable private cook looking to settle into a permanent position living on the Estate. You will report to the Principals and/or House Manager. This is a WEEKEND position - the family are in residence generally Thursday - Sunday, so it is important the cook is happy to work weekends. There will also be two weeks in August when the cook will need to travel with the family and cook for them in Scotland. The cook will also need to expect to work over Easter and Christmas. During the school holidays, the principals may be in residence more regularly, but during the week it is just a weekend residence. Days off for the cook would be during the week.
A good, capable, passionate and friendly cook is required who enjoys cooking seasonally, varies their menus, will enjoy using the kitchen garden produce, and you must be happy working in a busy household with a team of household staff. It is essential you enjoy working with other people and are easy to get on with. You must also like children and dogs, as the household is a young busy family with children running about.
Meal Preparation
· To source and procure all ingredients for meals and build a good rapport with local suppliers.
· To use fresh fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden and to liaise with the gardeners about availability and quantity of fruit and vegetables required.
· To maintain the stocks of staple ingredients in the pantry.
· To prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and supper/dinner accordingly for the principals, their family and guests.
· To ensure the highest standards of food hygiene are observed in the storage, preparation and service of food.
· To complete shared menu templates in advance, update and record guest and staff dietary requirements, and relevant information on kitchen laptop device
· To ensure wine cellar stocks are managed and maintained. Ensure a true record is kept of bottles used in the provided diary.
· To prepare sufficient food for any temporary live-in staff (e.g. butlers) to have after the Dining Room has finished service.
· In conjunction with the House Manager, to agree and manage the rotas and shifts of the relief cook, and any part-time or casual staff to help at busy periods, with for example, washing up, food prep and cleaning the kitchen.
· To work with the freelance butler when he is engaged for weekends and holidays, and with the House Manager and staff at other times when larger numbers dictate. It is essential you are a team player.
· To ensure food waste, recycling and rubbish is managed in accordance with the requirements of the House Manager, Head Gardener and council.
To preserve, prepare and freeze excess summer fruit and vegetables from the garden and orchard to be used in the autumn/winter.
General
· To maintain and approve accurate records/receipts of purchases and invoices and keep them for file and pass on to House Manager for payment, when necessary, who will archive as appropriate.
· To work with other members of the household and garden staff, sometimes under pressure.
· To maintain positive relationships with all colleagues, including temporary staff, contractors, suppliers, neighbours, and visitors.
· To have a flexible, hands-on, multi-task approach
Always act in your employer’s best interests
· To deputise for the House Manager in his absence when requested
Daily security of the house, plus general ‘eyes and ears’. Hold access keys and security fobs.
Kitchen Care and Maintenance
· To keep the kitchen clean at all times. i.e. daily practical and common sense washing up practices, regular appliance, storage draws and pantry areas cleaning including keeping the fridges regularly cleaned and maintained. Relevant deep specialist professional cleaning will be arranged when required.
· To ensure the kitchen equipment is kept clean and in good order and report any faults or breakages to the House Manager.
Household
To help as a member of the team in the day to day running of the household. Tasks may be varied and may include, for example: ·
Meeting/or taking guests to Train Station in the House car
· Accepting parcels and deliveries
· Assisting with required access for outside contractors
A capable and flexible team player is essential.
Salary IRO £40-50,000 depending on experience. 3 bedroom cottage provided on the Estate. Partner/Family/Pets welcome in the property. The cook must be a driver - own car not essential for work purposes, but due to the rural location of the house, own car will be required to get about on days off etc. The cottage will be unfurnished. It is free of rent, council tax and water (paid for by the Employer). Electric, wifi and heating would be down to the Employee.
To apply for this position, please send your CV to ella@sugarellacooks.co.uk with some sample menus plus images of your food.