Join the team - lead chef

A brunch plate and latte on an open book

 

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented lead chef, kitchen manager or aspiring cook wanting to progress in their career.

 In this role, you will be expected to lead a provisionally small team, playing a crucial role in in the daily operations of Kilver Court's Café while helping to grow the business to new heights. Our café is currently undergoing full renovations, and you will benefit from the brand-new kitchen facilities.

Kilver Court is a vibrant destination that showcases exquisite retail offerings and beautiful gardens. Located in Shepton Mallet, we offer a unique experience for visitors. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and a tight-knit community. Our friendly teams work closely together to achieve shared success. As we continue to expand our operations, there may be opportunities for career progression.

Role Details:

  • Oversee the daily running of the kitchen
  • Menu planning and recipe development – working closely with management and the owner to create a menu with a focus on classic brunch dishes
  • Kitchen team training and development
  • Work alongside the FOH team to ensure smooth operations, maintaining consistency and quality
  • Plan and undertake special events in the Café as required to boost sales income
  • Maintain stock levels and control wastage
  • Due Diligence - Hygiene, Health and Safety Records & Cleaning Rosters
  • Taking responsibility for the implementation of “Safer food better business”
  • Collaborate with management to meet financial and customer satisfaction goals

About You:

  • This role would suit a creative chef who loves to cook and thrives in a busy kitchen environment working well under pressure
  • Experience as a lead or sous chef/cook within a foodie cafe environment, serving a fresh and innovative brunch/lunch offering is preferred
  • Calm & methodical working approach – self-motivated, team spirited, and the desire to be part of a growing independent business
  • Reliable, creative, hardworking & genuine intention to offer long term commitment to the role
  • Positive attitude - able to motivate, inspire and nurture
  • Hands-on experience with various kitchen equipment
  • Food hygiene certificate Level 2/qualification in Catering or Hospitality and Allergy awareness training
  • Baking experience is a bonus!

Benefits

  • Working for a supportive owner who is looking to further grow the business
  • 40 hours per week, daytime shifts - no late closes
  • Great potential to further increase sales with planned events and guest chefs
  • Free parking and complimentary membership to Kilver Court
  • Warm and friendly environment to work in

Responsibilities

  • Perform all garden maintenance tasks to the highest standards, including, mowing, hedge cutting planting, pruning, watering and weeding.
  • Maintain the health and appearance of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
  • Awareness and the ability to identify pests, diseases, or other issues affecting plant health.
  • Assist with both hard and soft landscape maintenance projects.
  • Use power tools and hand tools to complete gardening tasks efficiently and safely.
  • Ensure all garden areas are kept clean and maintained to the highest standard.
Experience:
  • Proven experience in gardening or grounds-keeping roles.
  • Knowledge of plant species, growth patterns, and care requirements.
  • Familiarity with landscape maintenance techniques and equipment operation.
  • Ability to identify common pests, diseases, and weeds affecting plants.
  • Proficiency in using power tools and hand tools for gardening tasks.
Skills:
  • Garden Maintenance: Ability to perform routine tasks such as planting, pruning, weeding, and mulching
  • Grounds-keeping: Experience in maintaining the overall appearance of outdoor spaces, including lawns, flower beds, and pathways
  • Growing: Knowledge of plant growth patterns and cultivation requirements including irrigation techniques
  • Landscape Maintenance: Experience of pedestrian and sit on mowers and hedge trimmers, strimmers and chainsaws.
  • Hand Tools: Effective use of tools like edging shears, forks, hoes, and pruners

Requirements:

  • At least one year of experience in a similar role.
  • Strong horticultural knowledge and skills, including plant identification, growth, and maintenance.
  • Good knowledge of health and safety regulations related to garden and grounds maintenance.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work within a team and with other departments and external contractors as needed.
  • Preferred not essential – Spraying PA1 &PA6 – Chainsaw qualification. 

Details

  • Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
  • Salary: £28,000 - £30,000 per annum
  • Additional Pay: Bonus Scheme, Tips
  • Schedule: 8-hour shifts
  • Ability to commute/relocate: Shepton Mallet
  • Start Date TBC: January 2025

If you meet these criteria and are excited about this opportunity, we would love to hear from you!

Click here to apply