Residence Chef at British High Commission

Main purpose of job:

To provide a high-quality culinary and hospitality experience at the Residence of the British High Commissioner (HC) in Abuja as well as wider Residence support as needed.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the kitchen operation of the residence as well as a large number of official events. These range from (in)formal breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to cocktail receptions, buffet parties, barbeques, seminars, workshops and afternoon teas as well as special events such as the annual King’s Birthday Party (KBP) reception.
• Providing excellent hospitality to the High Commissioner’s guests, in line with direction from the HC, the HC’s spouse and Residence Manager as required.
• Responsible for creating innovative, modern menus and applying culinary trends to prepare food in line with the objectives of each event or occasion.
• Select and buy ingredients for preparing meals, where feasible using organic and sustainable produce. Actively seek out and compare prices of food stock to ensure quality, and value for money.
• Knowledge of special dietary restrictions and ability to come up with creative alternatives.
• Negotiate effectively with external vendors and contractors, to ensure that we get excellent value for money.
• Responsible for budgets, bills, receipts and contract staff as relates to leading the kitchen and catering.
• Manage food supplies, equipment, and work areas. Build organisation and functionality in kitchen operation.
• Monitor kitchen hygiene and sanitation practices as well as follow kitchen safety standards. Study the FCDO Health & Safety guidance and apply it in practice, creating and carrying out daily/weekly/monthly cleaning schedules.
• Collect receipts and related paperwork, ensuring compliance with the embassy’s financial requirements and ethics. Support the Residence Manager in maintaining menu cost records.
• Liaise with the Residence Manager and Chief Steward in the preparation of all official events, ensuring timely and effective delivery through effective communication and directing additional kitchen staff as required.
• Work with the Residence Manager to promote the use of British products at official functions, where feasible.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience as a professional chef, ideally in an international setting.
• Strong background and track record in preparing modern British/International food.
• Delivering under pressure, on time and with high quality.
• Formal culinary training and qualification.
• Good communication, organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent kitchen management and food hygiene control.
• Ability to respond quickly to feedback
• Readiness to work flexibly, including evenings.
• Be able to work long hours and weekends, where necessary.
• Be a team player
• Maintain a list of suppliers of fresh food, supermarkets, gastro-services, delivery companies, catering companies, etc.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 

• Proven experience in successfully catering for big events.
• Being able to lead a team when catering for larger events.
• Understanding of local seasonal produce.
• Part of a local chef community.
• Experience in pastry/dessert station
• Able to use a computer especially to write emails, use Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and search the internet for menus/to improve skills.