Residence Chef - A1 at the British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

Job ref.: 04 / 21 LOS
Location: Lagos
Grade: A1 (L)
Type of Position: Permanent
Working hours per week: 37 hours
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission
Start Date: 5th April, 2021.
Job Subcategory: Cook / Chef
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Main Purpose of Job

• To provide a high-quality culinary experience at the Residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos as well as wider Residence support as needed.

Roles and Responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

• Lead and manage the kitchen operation for 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.
• Responsible for creating innovative and modern menus, and applying culinary trends to prepare food in line with the objectives of each event or occasion
• Select and buy the necessary organic and sustainable ingredients for preparing meals. 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 and contract staff as relates to catering.
• The successful candidate may be required to provide wider Residence support e.g. helping with set-up for major events.
• 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 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 in the preparation of all official events, ensuring timely and effective delivery through effective communication and directing additional kitchen staff as required.

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

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
• Knowledge of local food suppliers
• 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

Required competencies:

• Making Effective Decisions, Delivering Value for Money, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace

Starting Monthly Salary
NGN 317,764.81

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

• Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
• We place a strong emphasis on learning and development.  You will be encouraged to undertake developmental training and get involved in corporate activities.

Working patterns:

• Conditioned working hours for this role are 37 hours per week. This role requires flexibility to sometimes work outside of conditioned hours, e.g. during Ministerial visits and HC events. Overtime pay will be provided in these circumstances.