Who are we?
The UK Mission in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK at international organisations. We are now looking for a temporary Chef & Residence Manager to support the smooth running of the Ambassador’s Residence for an expected period of three months.
The UK Mission in Geneva prioritises dignity and respect at work. We value respect, inclusiveness, empowerment, teamwork and kindness.
Main Purpose of Role
The Ambassador’s Residence is a unique and high-profile workplace. It is a prestigious venue used by the Ambassador and the Mission to host official functions, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners and large receptions. It also includes guest rooms used for official visits and is the private home of the Ambassador and their family.
The Chef & Residence Manager will play a key role in ensuring the Residence runs smoothly and is maintained to high standards. The successful candidate will plan menus, prepare high-quality food, support the delivery of official events, maintain records and accounts, and help ensure that the Residence is clean, well-presented, well-stocked and operational.
Roles and Responsibilities
Chef Responsibilities
- Devise menus and cater for all official events at the Ambassador’s Residence and the Mission, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, receptions and informal events, preparing food in line with the objectives and budget of each event or occasion;
- Interpret event requirements, guest preferences and dietary needs, and translate them into creative, high quality menus;
- Apply knowledge of special dietary restrictions and prepare suitable alternatives;
- Organise the purchase of food and drink supplies from local suppliers, planning ahead according to season, availability, quality and value for money;
- Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness and organisation. Store equipment and leftovers appropriately;
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and sanitation standards;
- Ensure correct use and care of kitchen equipment and report maintenance issues when required;
- Keep clear and timely accounts, including receipts and records of official expenditure;
- Liaise with contractors and casual staff when required to support events;
- Occasionally prepare meals for the Ambassador's family and keep accounts of personal spend.
Scope and level of Residence Manager responsibilities to be determined on arrival depending on candidate experience and business need, but may include:
- Ensure the smooth running of the Ambassador’s Residence, maintaining the highest standards of service and presentation;
- Oversee the use of the Residence for official entertainment and the accommodation of senior official visitors.
- Ensure effective delivery of services and maintenance of all Residence property, managing accounts and purchasing;
- Purchase and manage stocks for the Residence. Work with the Residence staff to ensure stocks and supplies are maintained and supervise deliveries where needed;
- Manage a team of three Residence staff, and when required casual event staff, providing support and direction as necessary.
Perform additional tasks as directed by the Ambassador or Mission management.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- At least two years' experience as a chef or cook in a professional hospitality, catering, restaurant, residence or events environment, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality food and excellent customer service;
- Good working proficiency in French, written and spoken, minimum B2 level according to the CEFR framework*;
- Experience planning menus and preparing high-quality food in line with event requirements, guest preferences and dietary needs;
- Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards and allergen management;
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities under pressure;
- Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards of service, presentation and cleanliness;
- Confident, discreet and trustworthy, with the ability to work effectively without close supervision;
- Ability to work well as part of a small team and support colleagues flexibly when required;
- Flexibility in working hours and duties, including willingness to work additional hours in support of events, including evenings and occasional weekends;
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
- Experience working in a high-end hospitality, diplomatic, international organisation or similar VIP setting;
- Experience supervising or coordinating staff, including casual or temporary event staff;
- Knowledge of local suppliers and seasonal produce in Switzerland/Geneva;
- Driving licence and willingness to drive as part of job duties;
- Good working proficiency in English, written and spoken, ideally at B2 level according to the CEFR framework*.
Other benefits and conditions of employment
This is a full-time temporary role to provide cover during a period of medical leave, for an expected period of three months.
The normal working pattern is Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the Ambassador's programme and official events at the Residence, the role requires flexibility to work outside normal working hours when necessary, including weeknight and occasional weekend working in support of official engagements.
All applicants should have permission to live and work in Switzerland.
Applicants that have the right to live and work in Geneva and don’t require a visa sponsorship are: Nationals from United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA, along with Nationals of: Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Principality of Andorra, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican – these applicants are eligible to live and work in Switzerland as long as holding a full passport valid for at least 12 months.
All other applicants need to have permission to live and work in Switzerland.
Learning & Development: The UK Mission Geneva attaches great importance to the learning and development of its staff, with both formal and informal training and development opportunities available for all employees, in line with a personalised development plan. This learning and development offer is facilitated by the Mission’s L&D Committee, and supported by the L&D Champion.?
Additional information
We only accept applications through our software. We do not accept CVs. To apply please go to Chef & Residence Manager (CHEG26-014693) - Temporary Cover - FCDO.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above link. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Please be advised that the UK Mission will not be able to support any cost during the Recruitment and Selection process, Security Check nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.
*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.