Rota Chef, Kensington, London
 
We are looking for an experienced, friendly, flexible and dedicated chef to work in our client’s fully staffed, prestigious home, located in Kensington, Central London.

Working with an experienced & established team, in a renowned and highly respected household, the ideal chef will have a mixture of classical and contemporary training and will have held significant roles in renowned restaurants, as well as having worked in prestigious private homes.
With a sound knowledge and well-practiced cooking skills, candidates must be flexible and adaptable, while being open to honing their skills across a broad repertoire, including Mediterranean, French, Italian, Asian (including Indian) through to South American and Pacific Rim influences, which must all be cooked to the exacting standards expected by the Principals, their family and their guests.
 
Candidates must show they are able to take instruction from the lead chef (who has been with the family for more than a decade), and must be happy to work in rotation, although conversely, they must also be able to work independently. Note: Please only apply for this role if you are happy to work 7 consecutive days, followed by the same period off.
 
The kitchen is industrial in its design and includes rational ovens and other high-spec tools and equipment – which must be kept immaculately clean by the duty chef. This position requires hard work, dedication, flexibility & a high degree of forward planning. While flair and talent are highly appreciated traits, the family are looking for a chef who will approach the job with modesty, humility and a cheerful, happy and calm temperament.
 
In addition to producing beautiful meals, the chef must show they can fit in quickly with the team and learn how the Household is run. There is significant scope to make the most of this opportunity, develop your portfolio and become integral to the smooth running of the home.
 
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Cooking Requirements
 
The chef will be required to present menus for the full period of their rotation, and will then need to organise menu-planning, shopping & food preparation and cooking. While ensuring that: ingredients are correctly stored, stock is properly monitored, wastage is kept to an absolute minimum, the industrial style kitchen is always maintained in a tidy and spotless state.

• Cooking for the Principals and their 4 teenage / young adult children (seldom all in residence together);
• Cooking for lunch and dinner parties (occasional business breakfasts);
• The Chef will also be responsible for cooking staff lunches and dinners, and it is imperative that the chef understands the client is focussed on the need to provide delicious and nutritious food for their staff.
• On occasions the family hosts large events, and these functions are likely to be highly curated, carefully considered and well thought out, and rehearsed. On these occasions, the 2 chefs would be expected to work together as a team.

 
ACCOMMODATION
 
Accommodation: The household can provide an ensuite bedroom/bathroom for the duty periods, which is situated within the main residence, within a dedicated  staff area.
 
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent experience gained in other high-profile household(s);
• Excellent checkable references;
• Advanced knowledge of the rules of etiquette, protocol and good manners;
• The ability to remain calm and professional in every circumstance;
• The proven ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality;
• The ability to be two steps ahead, and able to handle every last-minute change with total grace;
• A pro-active, “can-do, will do” approach to work, and
• An up to date DBS certificate / while being happy to undergo an in-depth background check.

ELIGIBILITY
 
While it is important that candidates present the right credentials, the client would also like to emphasise that they wish to find a chef who has: 

• A friendly and flexible nature;
• A true love and passion for cooking and their profession, and
• An understanding that work in a private home requires flexibility, and that there is never room for an inflated ego.

Position: Rota Chef
Salary: £70,000 gross per annum
Location: Kensington, London
Accommodation Offered: Yes
Hours: Tuesday to Monday, 9.30 am to 8.30 pm