Castle Howard is looking for a versatile Chef to join our dynamic kitchen and café team.
This role allows you to focus on fresh daily bakery production while also supporting the café kitchen team during busy daytime service  without super-early starts or late-night shifts. 

Typical shifts:

• Fixed daytime hours - 7:30am–4:00pm, with evenings free.
• Occasional evenings for special events.
• Weekends Shifts – shared amongst the team, so it is not every weekend!

You’ll produce a range of high-quality goods using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and help prepare and serve delicious hot meals to our visitors.
With set daytime hours, you’ll enjoy excellent work-life balance in a beautiful heritage environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Café Kitchen Duties:

•  Prepare, cook, and plate hot main meals and other menu items during busy café service.
• Support the café kitchen team during high-volume periods, ensuring speed and accuracy under pressure.
• Ensure food quality, portion control, and presentation standards are consistently met.
• Communicate clearly with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service.
• Mentor and support junior catering staff when needed, setting a positive example.
• Monitor food preparation to ensure recipes are followed precisely; provide feedback to the Head Chef on any issues with recipes, specifications, equipment, or processes.
• Record and minimise food waste; ensure perishable items are used effectively to maintain freshness and quality.
• Carry out stock checks to ensure catering outlets remain well supplied throughout the day.
• Follow all processes and procedures within the catering team and the wider company.
• Operate in line with Castle Howard’s food safety and Health & Safety policies at all times.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required to support the catering operation.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience:

• Previous experience as a Chef in a high-paced kitchen or bakery environment.
• Strong skills in both bakery production and hot food preparation.
• Working knowledge and practice of HACCP procedures.
• Excellent time management, multitasking, and communication skills.
• A genuine passion for seasonal, fresh, and locally sourced food.

Special Features:

• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• NVQ Level 2 in Catering & Hospitality (or equivalent).
• Formal training in culinary arts or bakery.
• First aid trained.
• Experience working in cafés, delis, or open-kitchen environments.

What We Offer:

• Full Uniform provided. 
• A beautiful working environment within one of the UK’s most iconic stately homes.
• Fixed daytime hours - 7:30am–4:00pm, with evenings free.
• Occasional evenings for special events
• Staff discounts, free parking, and meals on duty.
• A friendly, supportive team with opportunities for learning and development.