What we are looking for:

We are currently expanding our team and are looking for 4 mobile relief chefs to cover the Barking and Dagenham area. The role holders will provide culinary support across multiple school locations, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to Food Safety and Health and Safety Standards. Responsibilities include stepping in for absent chefs, ensuring high-quality food production, assisting with special events, maintaining high standards of food preparation and kitchen hygiene, and complying with nutritional guidelines.

About Us:

BD Group was created by the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham to create positive economic, environmental and social change. We are facilities services company, providing a range of services for public and private sector clients currently across London and the Southeast, but with aspirations to broaden our geographies over time. Our mission is to help communities live, work and grow to fulfil their potential through the delivery of safe, high-quality services based on our unique understanding of local needs.

Duties:

Prepare and cook meals according to established menus and dietary guidelines.
Ensure all food is prepared to a high standard of quality and presentation.
Travel to different school locations as required to provide chef coverage.
Adapt to various kitchen environments and equipment.
Adhere to all health and safety regulations, including food hygiene standards.
Conduct regular checks to ensure kitchen cleanliness and compliance with safety protocols.
Assist in menu planning, taking into account nutritional guidelines and student preferences.
Ensure meals cater to specific dietary requirements and allergies.
Monitor and manage kitchen inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels.
Order supplies as needed and minimize waste through efficient use of ingredients.
Work closely with catering teams at each location to ensure seamless kitchen operations.
Provide guidance and training to kitchen staff as necessary.
Assist with the preparation and execution of special events, catering functions, and themed days.
Ensure events are well-coordinated and food is served in a timely manner.
Interact with students, staff, and school personnel in a friendly and professional manner.
Address any food-related inquiries or concerns promptly.

Qualifications & Experience:

Relevant culinary qualification or certification.
Full clean UK driving Licence is preferred.
Food Safety and Hygiene certification is essential.
Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience as a chef, preferably within an institutional or school catering environment.
Familiarity with nutritional standards for school meals, food safety regulations, and industry best practices.
Strong culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques.
Willingness to travel between school locations.
Ability to work flexible hours.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks.
Capability to lift and carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle kitchen equipment safely.

Working Arrangements:

Working pattern: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Typically core hours will range from 7am till 3.30pm).
Number of working weeks: 52 weeks (Annual leave to be taken during school half term).
Location: We require x2 Mobile Chefs in the Dagenham area and x2 Chefs in the Barking area – must be flexible to travel to various sites.

Benefits:

In addition to an attractive salary, our benefits package includes: 

Heart Hub rewards, perks & benefits platform!
Private Medical Insurance
Group Life Assurance
Competitive Salaries
Pension Scheme
Paid Holidays from 21-26 days
Family Friendly Policies making work-life balance achievable
Health & wellbeing support including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Career development and training
Great offices & local amenities including our Lab Café
Free parking @ The Cube
A GREAT TEAM!

To Apply:

If you are keen to be considered for this opportunity to join a great team, please click 'apply' below to submit your CV and outline relevant skills and experience via the application form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so if you are keen to be considered for this role, please apply as soon as possible and do not wait until the closing date.

We’re ambitious and we’re going places. We already have nearly 1000 people across our businesses and we are growing rapidly.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be part of this fast-paced, growing, dynamic company? We’re always on the look-out for talented people and there’s a range of exciting opportunities to help take your career to the next level. From apprenticeships, internships to fast-track graduate positions, there’s a variety of exciting positions on offer.

We work collaboratively with our clients to make sure our services are accessible and that our recruitment and employment practices and procedures actively promote equality of opportunity.

REF-(Apply online only)