View Vacancy - Residence Chef (IRL20.320)

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Dublin is part of a world-wide network, representing UK political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a Chef at the British Ambassador's Residence, Glencairn, Sandyford. Glencairn is an historic and elegant venue, which has been the home to British Ambassadors for many years. It is used for entertaining influential stakeholders from across Irish and British public life, including politicians, business people, cultural leaders and many others, as well as high profile visiting delegations from the UK. This ranges from small intimate meals to formal dinners and lunches, as well as major receptions and other events.

The Chef thus plays a crucial and high profile role in the delivery of the British Embassy’s business hospitality. The position involves working closely with the Ambassador and his spouse, and is a busy and highly rewarding position with a requirement for high quality and distinctive catering, combining flexibility and flair. The successful candidate can expect support from additional staff for the larger events. The Residence has a well-equipped modern kitchen in a very attractive working environment.

Main roles and responsibilities:

• Planning, preparation and delivery of all menus for the official functions at the Residence (including breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, receptions and buffets), and for official (including VIP) visitors, as well as preparing food for the Ambassador and family, and for events at the Embassy.

• Proposing creative, appetising and innovative menus for official entertainment, to be agreed with the Ambassador and his spouse and/or Event Manager, focusing on modern British and Irish cuisine, and using seasonal and sustainable produce where possible, whilst also catering for any special dietary requirements.

• Sole responsibility for the running of the kitchen including stock management and performance that fully complies with Health and Safety standards, ensuring a tidy, clean, safe working environment and compliance with Covid-19 procedures. 

• Full responsibility for sourcing and purchasing supplies for the kitchen, including for all events, with a view to minimising wastage, and delivering value for money, whilst maintaining a high standard.

• Full monitoring and accounting for all expenditure within defined budget guidelines, including maintaining records of all events expenditure and consumption for monthly accounting purposes, and maintaining receipts.

• Liaising with the Residence Manager and Events Manager in the preparation of all official events to ensure timely and effective delivery, via effective communication, including identifying the need for, and directing, extra kitchen staff as required, and liaising with the front-of-house team for synchronicity.

• Maintaining the inventory, and standard, of all kitchen equipment and replenishing where necessary.

• Maintaining records of past menus and recipes, and a contacts database.

• At least 3 years’ experience as a professional chef in a similar position within an international hotel, restaurant or diplomatic residence setting.

• Strong background and track record in preparing modern British/international food.

• Certificated formal training in food preparation.

• Excellent communication, organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent kitchen management and food hygiene control.

• Experience in managing financial budgets and resources effectively.

• Ability to respond quickly to changes in requirements.

• Good team player.

• Readiness to work flexibly, including evenings.

• Good command of English (written and spoken).

• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Applicants should hold a full clean driving licence and a HACCP qualification.