Commis Chef

Pembroke College, a prestigious academic institution in central Oxford, is seeking a passionate and motivatedCommis Chefto join its highly professional catering team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your culinary skills and contribute to delivering exceptional dining experiences to students, Fellows, staff, and guests.

This role is full-time, 40 hours a week, in straight shifts, 5 days out of 7.

Why Join Pembroke?

• Culinary Development: Work with fresh, local ingredients to prepare a wide variety of meals, from daily dining to formal occasions.
• Team Support: Collaborate in a dynamic, friendly kitchen environment where teamwork and professional growth are valued.
• Outstanding Benefits: Enjoy a generous benefits package, including a staff pension scheme, complimentary meals on duty, uniform and safety shoes, a cycle scheme, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Role Responsibilities

The Commis Chef will:

• Assist senior chefs in preparing and presenting meals to the highest standards.
• Help produce a variety of items, including fresh bread, pasta, and desserts, while adhering to portion and waste controls.
• Maintain excellent hygiene and food safety practices, following College procedures and regulations.
• Support kitchen operations across all catering services, including formal dinners, special events, and daily dining.
• Collaborate with the team to maintain smooth kitchen operations and foster a positive working environment.

Role Overview

The Commis Chef will play an integral role in the kitchen team, supporting senior chefs in delivering high-quality meals for students, Fellows, staff, and special events. The role involves working across various kitchen stations, maintaining a consistent standard of food preparation and adhering to health and safety requirements. This is an opportunity to develop culinary skills in a professional kitchen, contributing to the reputation and dining excellence of Pembroke College.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Assist in the preparation of meals for daily service, formal dinners, and special events, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation.
• Perform tasks such as preparing fresh ingredients, making bread, pasta, and desserts, and supporting all areas of kitchen operations.
• Adhere to portion and waste controls, minimising food wastage.

Operational and Safety Standards

• Comply with all relevant food safety regulations, including the food safety management systems and COSHH requirements.
• Follow College allergy procedures and maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen.
• Safely operate and maintain kitchen equipment, reporting any faults or hazards to the Head Chef/Executive Head Chef.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the kitchen team, supporting the delivery of meals during peak service times.
• Contribute to a positive working environment, maintaining professional relationships with all staff members.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A passion for food and the culinary arts.
• Some experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Basic knife skills and an understanding of kitchen operations.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and punctual with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Flexibility regarding working hours, including weekends and evenings.

Desirable

• A relevant catering qualification or formal culinary training.
• Awareness of food safety regulations and allergy management.

To apply, please email your CV by9am on Monday, 13 January 2025.

Early applications are encouraged as Pembroke College reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the deadline.