House of Commons: Commis Chef

Catering Services aim to deliver the best quality service with an enthusiastic and professional team for the benefit of all our customers.

We are responsible for the efficient operation of the House of Commons catering facilities within the agreed financial framework.

The Role

• This role is responsible for assisting the senior chefs in the efficient and effective running of a designated kitchen to include:
• The preparation, production and service of all menu and related items
• Any required mise-en-place as instructed by the Senior Chefs
• Operating within Food Safety, Health and Safety regulations
• Proactive in learning new culinary skills

Skills and Experience

• Relevant catering qualifications i.e. City and Guilds 706:1&2 or NVQ level 1,2&3 or equivalent qualification(s)
• Must have relevant kitchen experience in similar position and a sound understanding of requirements in Food Hygiene and Health and Safety practices
• Good communications and interpersonal skills, both written and oral, with the ability to build effective relationships and work successfully within a team, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team often under pressure and to prioritise own workload to deliver a high-quality service in line with the objectives of the business
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to respond quickly to customer needs
• A basic awareness of current catering trends and catering practices

Why Join?

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• A very competitive industry salary
• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year)
• Civil Service Pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan
• Secure employment in an industry that isn’t noted for its stability
• Monthly Service Charge & paid overtime (voluntary & non-contractual)
• Excellent ‘In-House’ and external training for professional and career progression (either within the catering service or elsewhere in Parliament)
• Further development with encouragement to enter culinary competitions involvement with the Craft guild of Chefs and British Culinary Federation Societies with guidance from award winning mentors
• 5 over 6 day working shift patterns with Sundays and all Bank Holidays off
• Free staff meals and uniforms provided and laundered
• Free Safety Shoes after 3 months
• ‘Star Awards’ staff recognition scheme
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 helpline
• On site gym

Next Steps

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV on our vacancy portal along with a supporting statement providing evidence against all the criteria listed in the job description.

All applications should be submitted via our vacancy portal: www.parliament.uk/about/working/working-for-commons