The British Embassy in Muscat is part of a worldwide network that represents the UK’s political, economic, security, and consular interests overseas. We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive individual for the position of Ambassador’s Residence Chef at the grade of Administrative Assistant (AA), on a fixed-term contract of one (1) year with a possibility of renewal.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated chef to help deliver exceptional cuisine in a refined, high-standard environment. From casual meals to fine dining parties, and VIP guests you’ll create fresh, innovative options while being culturally sensitive and staying ahead of food trends. We are offering an excellent work-life balance (Working hours mostly Sunday to Thursday).

Roles and responsibilities:

– Menu Planning and Coordination

• Collaborate with the Administration Officer & Events Assistant and COS to HMA to plan menus for official events
• Accommodate specific dietary needs, including allergies, religious restrictions, and personal preferences
• Coordinate food preparation in line with the Residence diary to ensure timely service for all events
• Menus to include freshest and sustainable produce with excess processed for future use
• Formulate ideas for food items suitable as gifts or for representational use

– Food Preparation & Presentation

• Prepare and present food to a consistently high standard, suitable for VIP-level guests
• Offer a wide variety of cuisines to cater to diverse tastes.
• Experiment with new recipes and suggest innovative dishes and ingredients.
• Ensure all dishes are within budget and wastage is kept to a minimum

– Kitchen Management

• Ensure kitchen systems and processes comply with all health and safety regulations (HACCP trained preferred)
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene, including proper chemical storage (COSHH)
• Be responsible for the organisation of the kitchen, including cooking utensils and equipment, reporting issues to Administration Officer & Events Assistant
• Conduct regular stock-takes and manage equipment, cleaning and food inventories efficiently

• Create and maintain a recipe database
• Develop system for wastage reporting to ensure that all ingredients are fresh and safe to use, and that all wastage is kept to a minimum
• Shop for food and domestic supplies, selecting high-quality items at the best prices
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure value for money

– Events and Residence Support

• Coordinate with Residence stewards to ensure timely and appropriate food service
• Provide support to the Administration Officer & Events Assistant and stewards for daily operations and events
• Assist with general administration and event preparation as needed
• Serve drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) behind the bar during events when required
• Work with external caterers where necessary to ensure they meet Residence standards

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. 

Key Behaviours:

The candidate will need to demonstrate the following behaviours and the values of who we are during the interview:

• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.

Our Values:

The British Embassy Values (Trust, Respect, Integrity and One Team) are important in helping us to deliver for the UK internationally. Wherever we work in the world, we share a set of values that guides our decision-making, sets standards for our behaviour and helps us deliver the UK’s national interest internationally.

• Trust: Be reliable, open, and dependable in our actions and communications.
• Respect: Acknowledging each other’s skills, opinions, and experiences and honouring each other’s ideas, beliefs, and culture.
• Integrity: Taking responsibility for our decisions and actions and standing up for what is right, not what is easy.
• One Team: Being kind, helpful, supportive, open to challenge so that we can all work at our best towards achieving the same goal.

These values are underpinned by the UK Civil Service values (Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity, Impartiality) and complemented by values all One HMG colleagues bring from their own department, service or administration.

• Proficiency in English both written and spoken with ability to express ideas and messages clearly
• Proven experience in high-level catering, including VIP and formal events
• HACCP certification or equivalent to food hygiene training
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Creativity and passion for culinary excellence
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrate a calm, meticulous, and professional approach to private household service
• Be flexible and responsive to last-minute changes and requests
• Respect and support colleagues, fostering a positive team environment
• Manage workload effectively, using quieter periods to plan and restock where appropriate