Catering Company jobs in Ipswich

Job Description - CLUB CHEF

Reports To

Club Manager

Location

Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Woolverstone, Suffolk, IP9 1AT

Purpose of the Role

Situated on the River Orwell at Woolverstone, the club was founded in 1843 and is housed in a large modern building with excellent kitchen provision.

The Club Chef is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club kitchen, delivering a high-quality food service to members, visitors, event guests, marina customers and training groups. They will be involved in shaping the future catering operation so the role would suit someone who seeks personal development.

The postholder will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, menu development, staffing, purchasing, food safety and stock control, ensuring that the catering operation is professionally managed, commercially successful and reflective of the standards and reputation of this prestigious Club.

The successful candidate will be supported by an established front of house and management team, including a Club Manager and experienced hospitality staff. The role offers the opportunity to shape and develop the catering operation whilst working collaboratively within a supportive and member-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Manage the day-to-day running of the Club Kitchens (Galley).
• Ensure the galley is open during agreed operating hours with appropriate staffing levels in place.
• Plan and organise kitchen operations to ensure efficient and timely food service.
• Deliver consistently high standards of food preparation, presentation and quality.
• Work closely with the Club Manager, and the club team to develop and grow the catering operation.

Customer Experience

• Maintain a high level of customer service and customer satisfaction at all times.
• Develop a welcoming and professional catering environment for members, guests and visitors.
• Respond positively to customer feedback and implement improvements where appropriate.

Menu Development and Catering Offer

The Club Chef will be responsible for developing and delivering three core catering offers which reflect the diverse needs of the Club:

1. Main Club Menu

• Deliver a high-quality, freshly prepared pub-style menu for members, visitors and marina berth holders & customers.
• Provide a balance of traditional favourites, seasonal specials and lighter options.
• Ensure menus remain attractive, varied and commercially viable.

2. Events and Functions Menu

• Cater for Club dinners, regattas, prize givings, social events and private functions.
• Develop two- and three-course dining menus suitable for formal and informal occasions for up to 110 people.
• Maintain high standards of presentation and service appropriate to a leading yacht club.

3. Conference, Wake and Corporate Catering

• Provide high-quality buffet-style catering for conferences, business meetings, wakes and private gatherings.
• Offer an attractive range of freshly prepared sandwiches, savouries, cakes, pastries, salads and hot buffet options.
• Ensure presentation and quality standards support the Club's commercial and hospitality objectives.

Purchasing and Stock Control

• Make recommendations to the Club Manager regarding menus, pricing and product development.
• Ensure suppliers provide best value for money whilst maintaining quality standards.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels and minimise wastage.
• Undertake stock rotation and stock control procedures.
• Assist with stocktaking and food cost monitoring as required.

Staff Management

• Manage the galley staff rota to provide weekly cover basis.
• Recruit, train and supervise additional kitchen staff as required.
• Source and manage temporary, seasonal and casual staff as required.
• Foster a positive, respectful and professional working environment.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure the kitchen, food preparation areas and stores are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness.
• Be fully conversant with ‘Safer Food, Better Business’ Documentation and Processes.
• Comply with all food hygiene, environmental health and health and safety requirements.
• Maintain food safety records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and Club policies.

Equipment and Maintenance

• Ensure the maintenance and safe operation of all kitchen equipment and fittings.
• Identify maintenance requirements and report faults promptly.
• Assist with planning future equipment replacement and improvements.

Events and Club Activities

• Support Club events, sailing regattas, training activities and private functions.
• Assist with planning catering requirements for weddings, parties, corporate events and member functions.
• Work flexibly to meet the operational needs of the Club throughout the year.

Hours of Work

The Club Chef position is a permanent, year-round role with seasonal variations in working hours to reflect the operational needs of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club.

A minimum of 24 hours per week, Friday to Sunday, will be offered during the quieter winter period (October to April), together with opportunities to undertake additional hours through private functions, events, training courses and special catering requirements.

During the main sailing and hospitality season, working hours will increase in line with business demand, typically flexing up to 45 hours per week during peak periods.

The role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as necessary to support Club operations, events, regattas and private functions.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 Food Hygiene
• Previous experience as a Chef in a commercial catering environment.
• Strong food preparation and menu planning skills.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• Experience of stock control, purchasing and food cost management.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.

You’ll be working in Woolverstone near Ipswich at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, and it would be beneficial if you are located with 30 minutes drive of the club.

Before you apply you must already be eligible to work in the UK, unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas for this position.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£32,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person