View Vacancy - Residence Manager/Chef (MKD22.469)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Housekeeper, Cook/Chef

Main purpose of job:

Residence Manager: The core role is to ensure smooth running of the Residence both as a venue for official events (meals, receptions, meetings, etc) and as a family home, delivering to the highest standards of efficiency, sustainability, accuracy and value for money. 
To work closely with Ambassador/his spouse and other individuals and teams at the embassy, to ensure that the Residence and its garden are well  maintained, to provide high standard events and services to Ambassador’s guests and visitors and to accommodate official guests. The Residence Manager is also responsible for supervision of Residence staff (Residence cleaner).

Residence Chef: To support delivery of all post objectives by contributing to an efficient and well-represented Residence in terms of food preparation and presentation, suitable for hosting events, house guests and functions that will facilitate diplomatic, political, defence, commercial and public services work. 
The primary responsibility is developing innovative meal menus and preparing food for Residence occupants and guests, both official and private. To create and tailor value for money menus for a wide range of business hospitality events ranging from seated or buffet breakfasts, lunches, dinners, afternoon teas, cocktails, receptions and special events accommodating wide range of requirements within budget.

Roles and responsibilities:

Residence Manager:

  • Ensure effective delivery and maintenance of all residence property and services, including management of the cellar and regular update inventories of silverware, glassware, crockery, linen, furniture, and domestic equipment.

  • Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and presentation at all times.

  • Ensure the Residence and grounds are kept in optimal repair: identify and report repair/improvement work, oversee repairs and maintenance jobs for the Residence and grounds, and liaise with Corporate Services, and the Ambassador/their spouse to ensure contractor access to the Residence at convenient times.

  • Manage relevant accounts and purchasing for the Residence, including supplier liaison, quote management, etc., and monitor Residence expenditure.  Account for pre-approved credit card expenditure in a timely manner.

  • Managing a monthly Imprest of 15,000 MKD to cover the costs of additional staff, shopping for official entertainment and representational requirements.

  • Provide information and assist corporate services to assist entertainment and machinery and equipment budget.

  • Liaise with the security guards and security team to ensure effective security of the Residence and grounds is maintained at all times.

  • Responsible for oversight, preparation and delivery of official events at the Ambassador’s Residence, in close consultation with the Ambassador and their spouse and other relevant Embassy colleagues. This includes but is not limited to, planning table and flower arrangements, room layout, food and beverage selection, seating plans, hiring equipment (eg marquee, audio visual, lighting, heating), and hiring casual event staff, who work under the Residence Manager’s supervision including set-up, silver service where appropriate, and post-event clear up and cleaning.

  • Effective communication with all stakeholders about events and functions.

  • Keep a daily updated diary of upcoming events at the Residence and coordinate with the HMA’s PA to ensure a coordinated approach.

  • In conjunction with the relevant Embassy colleagues, ensure the Residence and all events comply with all necessary Health and Safety rules, including the latest Covid and wider Embassy guidance. Work with outside companies and individuals to ensure they fully understand and comply with such rules and guidance.

  • Co-ordinate arrangements for all official visitors staying at the Residence, ensuring that rooms are prepared for overnight guests, and the highest levels of service are provided, and that all visitors receive a warm welcome and are made to feel comfortable and at home.

  • Purchase supplies for events according to FCDO procurement guidance, and purchase and manage stocks for the Residence (eg cleaning items, fuel, pantry stocks), ensuring value for money. To ensure stocks and supplies are regularly reviewed, and supervise deliveries where needed.

Residence Chef:

  • Cooperation with the relevant Embassy & Residence staff on individual event tasks and requirements;

  • Cook and plan menus for day to day requirements (breakfasts, lunches and dinners);

  • Lead and manage the kitchen operation for the residence, preparing meals for Ambassador as well as a large number of official events, these range from (in)formal breakfast, lunches and afternoon teas, as well as special events.

  • Maintain files of past menus and recipes;

  • Maintain list of suppliers of fresh food, gastro-services, delivery companies, catering companies etc.;

  • Grocery food purchases, maintaining and providing full accounting/receipts and assisting with record keeping (for budgetary purposes);

  • Cook, plan and suggest menus for official events and special requirements following discussion with the Ambassador / HMA’s PA;

  • Plan for specific food requirements of event guests, taking into account allergies, religious restrictions and preferences;

  • Work with external caterers, as required, so that they can use kitchen equipment and to ensure that they understand the standards expected in the Residence;

  • Provide a limited lunch service (sandwiches and other light meals) to Embassy staff;

  • Coordination and supervision of kitchen staff at the events;

  • Cleaning and maintenance of the kitchen equipment to the highest standards with help of the Residence staff;

  • Recommending purchases of new equipment.

  • Fluency in English at B2 level (according to CEFR Framework *)

  • Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, with strong communication skills at all levels.

  • Previous experience of 2 years in running and working in a diplomatic residence, luxury hotel or restaurant setting with a strong customer focus.

  • Previous experience of 2 years in cooking and catering.

  • Confident, discreet, trustworthy, adaptable self-starter able to work effectively without supervision.

  • Ability and desire to demonstrate high standards, proactivity, effective prioritisation, and a strong attention to detail.

  • Flexibility in terms of working hours and duties, to be prepared to work additional hours in support of events hosted by Ambassador and embassy, including evenings and occasional weekends.

  • Experience in diplomatic field.

  • Knowledge and understanding of protocol issues.

  • Knowledge of health and safety in the workplace and /or managing external contacts and financial resources.

  • Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
3 October 2022
S1
Fixed Term, Full-time
39
12 months
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Republic of North Macedonia
Skopje
British Embassy
1
MKD
MKD 71,755.00 (gross/monthly)
1 November 2022

This is a full-time contract with a duration of 12 months.

The British Embassy has an active learning and development culture and there will be opportunities for informal training and shadowing.

The expected start date is 1 November 2022 however the job holder should be available to start as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Skopje are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local (Republic of North Macedonia) employment law.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in the Republic of North Macedonia. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Republic of North Macedonia and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Please be advised that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.