Food Coordinator & Coach reference: R-186183

Discover Your Culinary Potential: A Review of the Food Coordinator and Coach Opportunity

Are you a passionate culinary professional with a knack for training and a commitment to exceptional customer experiences? This Food Coordinator and Coach role presents an exciting opportunity to blend your practical kitchen skills with your leadership potential within a renowned employee-owned business. This review aims to guide prospective candidates by highlighting the key advantages and important considerations for your career journey.

Advantages of This Opportunity:

• Impactful Training Role: You'll be instrumental in developing the skills of your Catering Partners, directly contributing to a high-quality customer experience. This role offers the chance to share your knowledge and expertise, fostering a culture of culinary excellence.
• Dual Kitchen & Front-of-House Exposure: This position provides a dynamic environment, allowing you to engage with both the operational aspects of the kitchen and the customer-facing elements of front-of-house. This holistic approach ensures a deep understanding of the entire service operation.
• Career Development & Growth: The role emphasizes a "desire and drive to learn and develop," acting as a model for others. This suggests a commitment from the organization to support your professional growth, with opportunities to acquire new skills and advance within the company.
• Attractive Remuneration & Incentives: The salary range of £26,300.00 - £32,500.00 is competitive, and the additional Night Premium of £4.00 per hour for late-night shifts offers a significant financial benefit for those working unsociable hours.
• Join a Unique Employee-Owned Business: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll become a co-owner, sharing in the responsibilities and rewards of one of the UK's largest employee-owned businesses. This ownership model fosters a strong sense of community, collaboration, and shared success.
• Commitment to Work-Life Balance: The Partnership is committed to supporting flexible working arrangements, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, and shorter hour contracts where feasible. This demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to employee well-being.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Pace and Variety: The role is described as "fast-paced with plenty of variety." While this can be stimulating, candidates should be comfortable with a dynamic environment that requires adaptability and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Training and Coaching Focus: A significant aspect of this role involves training and coaching. Candidates with prior experience in these areas will find themselves well-suited, but those with a strong passion for developing others will also thrive.
• Commitment to Standards: You will be responsible for upholding "market-leading customer experience," "highest culinary standards," and "defined presentation standards." This requires a meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to quality.
• Food Safety Compliance: Supporting Team Managers in food safety compliance is a key responsibility. While training for Food Safety Levels 1-3 will be provided, having an existing understanding or a keen interest in food safety protocols is beneficial.
• Potential for Extended Hours: The average weekly hours are 37.5, including weekend cover, with shifts potentially running from 08:30 to 18:10. Candidates should consider how these hours align with their personal commitments.
• Pre-Employment Vetting: Be aware that some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including potential DBS checks. This is a standard process for ensuring the safety and integrity of the workplace.

This Food Coordinator and Coach position offers a compelling blend of hands-on culinary work, leadership development, and the unique advantages of being part of an employee-owned organization. If you are driven by a passion for food, a desire to mentor others, and thrive in a collaborative and customer-focused environment, this role could be an excellent step in your career progression.