Community Chef

About Calthorpe Community Garden: Calthorpe Community Garden is a vibrant urban green space in the heart of London, dedicated to fostering community engagement, education, and environmental sustainability. We provide a range of programs and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds, including gardening workshops, school visits, volunteer opportunities, and community events. Our mission is to connect people with nature, promote healthy living, and create a more sustainable future.

Job Description: Are seeking a passionate and skilled Chef to join our team to prepare food for community lunches, cater for events, and teach community cooking sessions. The Chef will play a key role in providing nutritious and delicious food for our community, promoting healthy eating, and sharing culinary skills.

Responsibilities: ● Community Lunch Preparation: ○ Plan, prepare, and cook healthy and balanced lunches for community members, using fresh, seasonal produce, with a focus on ingredients from the garden where possible. ○ Cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options. ○ Ensure meals are prepared to a high standard of quality, presentation, and hygiene. ○ Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering ingredients and minimising food waste.

● Event Catering: ○ Prepare and cook food for a variety of events hosted by Calthorpe Community Garden, including workshops, celebrations, and fundraising events. ○ Develop menus for events, in collaboration with event organisers, that are creative, appealing, and within budget. ○ Ensure timely and efficient delivery of catering services, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.

● Community Cooking Sessions: ○ Develop and deliver engaging and informative cooking sessions for community members and employee volunteer groups of all ages and abilities. ○ Teach basic and advanced cooking techniques, focusing on healthy eating, seasonal cooking, and sustainable food practices. ○ Create a positive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging participants to develop their culinary skills and confidence. ○ Provide participants with recipes, resources, and information on healthy eating and food preparation.

● Kitchen Management and Hygiene: ○ Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment, adhering to all food safety and hygiene regulations. ○ Ensure proper storage and handling of food ingredients and prepared dishes. ○ Manage kitchen equipment and report any maintenance needs. ○ Implement and maintain food safety management systems (e.g., HACCP).

● Collaboration and Communication: ○ Work closely with garden staff, volunteers, and community members to coordinate food preparation and events. ○ Communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, including session participants, event organisers, and community members. ○ Contribute to the overall mission and goals of Calthorpe Community Garden.

Qualifications: ● Proven experience working as a Chef in a professional kitchen or catering environment. ● Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and menu planning. ● Ability to prepare healthy, balanced meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients. ● Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations (e.g., Level 2 Food Safety Certificate). ● Experience in catering for events of varying sizes and types. ● Experience in teaching or leading cooking sessions is highly desirable. ● Ability to work independently and as part of a team. ● Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills. ● Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks. ● Passion for healthy eating, sustainable food practices, and community engagement.

Personal Qualities: ● Enthusiastic and self-motivated. ● Creative and innovative approach to cooking. ● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. ● Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people. ● Strong work ethic and attention to detail. ● Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. ● Commitment to the mission and values of Calthorpe Community Garden.

Benefits: ● Competitive salary, commensurate with experience ● Generous holiday allowance ● Opportunity to work in a beautiful and inspiring environment ● Chance to make a positive impact on the community and promote healthy eating ● Professional development opportunities

To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email removed - click apply for more details]