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The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We welcome and strongly encourage those from minority, ethnic and less represented backgrounds to apply. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

The British Embassy in Sweden is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Residence Manager and Chef. 

Main purpose of job:

The Residence Manager & Chef is a key post in the British Embassy Stockholm, providing operational oversight of the Ambassador’s Residence and catering for all British Embassy events.  This role reports directly to the Ambassador and includes event planning, budget management, vendor liaison, maintenance coordination and staff supervision. Menu planning, meal preparation, culinary innovation and kitchen management are also required. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

Events Management 
•    Organise menus, catering, setup, equipment and supplies for all official functions at the Ambassador’s Residence, from breakfast, lunch & dinner (ca 3-4 per week) to larger receptions (c2 per month with busier periods) including the annual King’s Birthday Party; 
•    Work in partnership with the Embassy staff, who are responsible for guest lists, programmes, protocol and communications at all official events;
•    Provide direction to all Residence staff in delivering events, including by agreeing extra temporary staff for larger events and overseeing overtime;
•    Work with HMA and Communications Officer to promote the use of the British Residence as a bookable destination, alongside the use of British products at official functions.  

Catering 

Devise menus and cater for all official events as appropriate at the Ambassador’s Residence & Embassy, creating innovative and modern menus, and applying culinary trends to prepare food in line with the objectives and budget of each event or occasion;
•    Plan and prepare meals for the Ambassador as and when required;
•    Organise the purchase of food supplies from the UK and local suppliers – planning ahead, buying supplies according to season and availability, and actively comparing prices of food stock to ensure quality and value for money;
•    Apply knowledge of special dietary restrictions and come up with creative alternatives;
•    Build organisation and functionality in the kitchen operation and work areas;
•    Ensure kitchen hygiene and sanitation, and follow kitchen safety standards, on a daily basis;
•    Ensure a good record of menus, guest lists and expenditure is maintained.  

Residence Management 

Provide oversight of all operations at the Ambassador’s Residence and lead the Residence team to ensure consistently high standards in the maintenance of the property and garden as well as the organisation and delivery of official events.
•    Liaise with the Estates Manager and CS Team to ensure household maintenance is carried out and furniture renewed where appropriate, directing workmen or contractors as necessary;  
•    Agree the purchase of any necessary equipment or uniform with HMA and the Office Manager.
•    Liaise with CSM and Health & Safety Officer to ensure the Residence meets FCDO’s Health and Safety standards.
•    Manage Residence expenditure, seeking value for money in all purchase, ensuring that all purchases are properly accounted for, and receipts returned to CS within 5 days;
•    Keep up-to-date stock lists of food and drink and supervise stock flow.

Line Management 
•    Management of Residence Team, including line management of Residence Assistant.

Team Support 
•    Participate as required in cross-Embassy activity, including communications, crisis and business continuity activity.

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Fluency in English and Swedish (both oral and written, C1 level or above under the CEFR*);
• Formal culinary training and qualifications with at least 3 years experience of providing catering at a high level;
• Excellent kitchen management and food hygiene control;
• IT, communication and interpersonal skills;
• Experience of events management;
• Hands on flexible approach to day-to-day management with a “can do” attitude.