Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience-based segment and the behaviours and technical/ professional skills-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

The Chef/Residence Manager is responsible for the smooth running of the Residence, working closely with the High Commissioner and spouse and for the design, planning and preparation of food and meals for official events hosted by the British High Commission and at the British High Commissioner’s Residence, as well as meals for the British High Commissioner (where operations allow).

The role is key to the UK’s image, reputation, and influence in Sri Lanka.  The British High Commissioner’s Residence aspires to deliver the best High Commission food and drink in Colombo. The job-holder will demonstrate proficiency in managing a team, understanding what a high-quality service looks like across a range of areas (food and beverage, housekeeping, service) as well as knowledge of a range of culinary skills, with experience of different cuisines (preferably British and Sri Lankan), speciality ingredients, baking and patisserie. There are on average 2-3 lunch or breakfast events per week, and 1-2 evening events. For larger events temporary kitchen staff are hired. 

The Residence Manager/Chef will work as part of a wider Residence and High Commission team to deliver UK objectives in Sri Lanka in line with UK values and best practice, taking part in wider corporate activity. 

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

Residence Management & Culinary preparation (50%)

Residence Management 

• Provide oversight of all operations at the High Commissioner’s Residence and lead the residence team to ensure consistently high standards in maintenance of the property and garden as well as the organisation and delivery of official events.
• Line management of household team.
• Lead, oversee and give direction to the team to ensure operational objectives of Residence are met.
• Manage and support members of the team, oversee their personal development and ensure a consistently high standard of performance.
• Ensuring through the team that the house is presented to a high standard at all times.
• Ensuring that the team, drawing on wider BHC support, maintain the house, its furniture, fittings, and equipment.
• Where events are catered from outside, working with the corporate services team to liaise with and manage contractors. Where events are delivered for external (paying) customers, liaise with those customers.
• Manage the Residence income and expenditure, ensuring full compliance with FCDO financial rules and with a good eye to value for money, including thorough planning, profiling, and tracking expenditure for the residence.
• First-point of contact for outsourced personnel.

Culinary preparation

• Design, plan and coordinate meals in accordance with relevant dietary/nutritional requirements, ingredient themes and financial parameters.
• Advise on and prepare high standard, well-presented creative menus for internal or external British High Commission events, including receptions, buffets, lunches/dinners, afternoon tea, receptions, silver service meals, etc.
• Prepare light refreshments for official visitors.
• Supervise British High Commission and contracted staff on food preparation and kitchen arrangements for events.

Purchasing (5%)

• Budget and prepare breakdowns of food expenses for meals or events.
• Ensure appropriate and timely ordering and purchasing of food and other catering-related purchases from UK and local suppliers.
• Ensure catering is on-budget, represents value for money, and that invoicing, and payments are transparent and accountable in line with the High Commission financial systems.

 Maintain Inventory (10%)

• Manage accurate inventory of food consumed, stored in fridges/ freezers, other cooking ingredients etc.
• Manage quality of raw food preservation, cooked food preventability and left over food preservation for future use within its shelf life.

Hygiene and Cleanliness (15%)

• Ensure professional hygiene and health and safety standards in the preparation of meals, management of the kitchen and its equipment, keeping storeroom clean and orderly and reporting maintenance issues.
• Plan and implement deep cleaning of the kitchen every two weeks.

Record Keeping (5%)

• Submit proposed menus and budgets to the High Commissioner consideration.
• Keep an accurate inventory of all receipts and log all expenditure.

Wider Support (15%)

• Provide meals for the High Commissioner and family and appropriate domestic support as the Residence’s Chef, where this does not conflict with operational duties.
• Where not catering for an event provide support to the wider team in offering service to guests, welcoming guests etc.
• Participate in wider British High Commission corporate initiatives and L&D activities.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Three residence staff

Language requirements:
Language: English, Sinhala and/or Tamil
Level of language required: English – Fluent. Sinhala and/or Tamil language conversation level

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The British High Commission provides access to appropriate training, learning and development to meet development needs.  A range of formal and informal learning and development opportunities will be available locally and regionally/locally, including via remote learning.

There is an opportunity to gain cross exposure in all sub departments of the kitchen and wider experience of working as a private Chef in an international environment.

Working patterns:

• Gross conditioned working hours are 48 per week inclusive of a 1-hour lunch break.
• The job requires flexible working based around events and Residence activities. Overtime is payable where total hours worked in a week exceed 48 hours, and for weekend working.
• Be punctual and make an effective use of all working hours.
• When required, overnight accommodation at the BHC Residence can be provided when business needs require a late finish and/or an early start.

The British High Commission can support a work permit application only.
Employment offer is subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks.

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

The British High Commission is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair, and transparent performance management and appraisal system linked to staff bonuses.  We offer 21 days annual leave; 14 days public holidays; maternity/paternity leave provision; special leave; paid sick leave provision; a medical insurance package for officer and dependants; ample development opportunities; possible travel opportunities; a strong organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.  

The British High Commission is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.  Staff are expected to meet high standards of conduct and performance. 

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. The British High Commission in Colombo is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission in Colombo are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law. 

Essential on arrival:

• Experience in managing a team.
• Over 5 years professional experience in cooking continental, Sri Lankan cuisines, pastry and baking, cold kitchen, hot kitchen, canapés and desserts.
• Proven ability to cater for a range of events, from small family/official meals to large receptions and events.
• Ability to plan & execute various meal menus independently.
• Fluency in English and ability to read menus and recipes in English and execute them in a high standard.
• Good numeracy and ability to ensure organisation’s policies are followed fairly and consistently.
• High levels of discretion, with a resilient, flexible and ‘can do’ attitude and ability to work with others within the High Commission and Residence team, be able to share responsibilities equally.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and make a good use of time when Residence is officially quiet.
• Functional computer skills.