Job Description

St Neots Town Council are recruiting for a passionate and creative Chef to join our team at a pivotal moment in our journey. Initially based at our temporary cafe at 7 New Street, just around the corner from the Priory centre, you'll be part of a vibrant community hub serving quality food to local residents and visitors.

In Autumn 2026, we will return to our newly refurbished Priory Centre, a landmark venue in St Neots with over 40 years of history. The revitalised centre will feature a stunning new eatery overlooking the River Great Ouse, offering a unique experience in the heart of the community. We're looking for someone who wants to make an immediate impact while taking a lead to help develop a new menu and offering for the future Priory venue.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

Duties Include;

Food Preparation & Menu Development

1. Prepare and serve high-quality food in line with agreed menus and standards.

2. Develop and evolve menus in collaboration with the management team and front-of-house staff.

3. Maintain portion control and monitor food costings to achieve agreed gross profit margins.

4. Ensure stock rotation and appropriate use-by date management.

5. Lead on catering for events (e.g. buffets, formal functions, wedding receptions)

6. Review customer feedback and identify improvements to the food offer

Kitchen Management

1. Oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including supervision of kitchen staff.

2. Conduct regular team briefings to plan service and daily specials.

3. Maintain food hygiene and health and safety documentation (e.g. temperature logs, cleaning records)

4. Order stock, manage deliveries, and carry out regular stock checks.

5. Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient working environment at all times Staff

Supervision and Development

1. Lead and motivate the kitchen team to deliver high standards of food preparation and service

2. Organise kitchen staff rotas, break times, and holiday cover in coordination with the wider team

3. Support the recruitment, induction, and training of kitchen staff

4. Provide day-to-day supervision and performance feedback

5. Encourage flexible working and a positive team culture Health, Safety and

Compliance

1. Ensure all food safety, health and safety, and hygiene standards are met and exceeded

2. Carry out and record regular safety checks and respond promptly to any issues

3. Promote a culture of safe working and lead by example in the use of equipment and kitchen procedures

4. Adhere to all St Neots Town Council policies, procedures, and statutory obligations

Contributing to an Exciting New Offering at the Redeveloped Priory Centre

1. Develop dishes and menus

2. Support the development of kitchen processes, procedures, and standards in preparation for the refurbished Priory Centre

3. Use the New Street venue as a testbed to trial and refine future food offers

4. Collaborate with the Business Development and Events teams to support bookings and catering needs

5. Engage positively with customers where required, particularly for events and private functions

6. Contribute to the wider vision and reputation of the Council's community venues

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 31,537.00-34,434.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking
Work Location: In person