Chef de Partie
Job description
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here
The Role and Department
“Passionately delivering an outstanding experience”
We are a team of over 500, providing fresh and exciting catering throughout Durham University. This includes college dining halls, college bars, college cafés, visitor attractions and branded retail catering outlets.
Our students are extremely important to us, but we also provide catering to University colleagues, commercial guests, and VIPs including royalty.
Chefs are key back-of-house members of the catering team, responsible for supporting the Head Chef with food production and running of the kitchen and ensuring the highest quality food and standards are delivered. The post holder will also assist with the day-to-day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt, and storage of goods, and checking and signing for deliveries.
Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift.
Successful candidates are expected to always promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
Benefits of working in the catering department at Durham University
Normal hours of work between 9am - 8.30pm
Various hours of work available up to 35 hours per week, in line with the working time directive.
Indicative rotas for five working days will be set four weeks in advance, confirming the week prior.
Premium rates will be paid for working on rest days and if there is a requirement to work overtime beyond 37 hours in each week.
Competitive rates of pay
27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days.
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No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus,
A cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.
Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most
generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)
If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
Generous pension schemes.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role including:
Essential:
Experience of working in all sections of the kitchen in a high-volume, high-quality catering operation.
Good oral and written communication skills
Experience of working as part of a customer focussed high quality catering team.
Experience of supervising and food production within a modern high volume catering environment, including high profile functions
Experience of managing time and prioritising to meet deadlines.
Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
Ability to proactively solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
Good IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office.
Experience of working to standard operating procedures.
Works in advance and has a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
A commitment to a flexible and hands on style of working that promotes impartiality and a team approach.
Desirable:
Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).
Level 2 Health & Safety qualification.
Level 2 food hygiene qualification.
Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.
How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
Who to contact for more information
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dave Walker would be happy to speak to you. [email protected]
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
- Operate a system to record, dispense and distribute resources and information as required.
- Apply skills and techniques to operate and use a range of everyday task or job specific equipment, tools and resources.
- Follow a set of pre-determined tasks and objectives, with some discretion for variation, referring to team members where necessary.
- Gather and collate data and information for others to use for evaluation and decision making.
- Contribute to the tidying, set-up and maintenance of facilities, equipment and resources.
- Operate a range of domestic, office, maintenance tools and equipment efficiently and effectively.
- Monitor and record changes to the working environment and service processes to ensure the safety, security and hygiene of service products and services.
- Follow University identification and security procedures when dealing with stakeholders new to a service area.
- Apply manual dexterity, physical effort and/or sensory skills to carry out work in a defined space or service area.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
Teamwork
- Explain systems and procedures to new starters, providing hands on advice and guidance where required.
- Assist with the provision of ongoing training and/or coaching.
- Collaborate with team members to identify work flows, timescales and where support is required.
- Deliver a frontline service to stakeholders with team members within a defined service area for concentrated periods of time.
- Assist team members where necessary to review and update risk assessments.
- Delegate tasks and monitor completion across the work team.
- Provide a highly responsive and/or frontline service to stakeholders.
- Respond to service users logging and recording queries and information systematically in accordance with procedures.
- Liaise with representatives from other teams/service areas where necessary.
- Provide direction to service users about the range of events and activities and how to access them.
- Complete necessary skills training to deliver a service in a retail, catering or leisure environment.
- Respond to first-line queries from suppliers, stakeholders and contacts where necessary.
- Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
