JOB DESCRIPTION

View Vacancy – CHEF/STEWARD – BEN MAR RESIDENCE, BRIDGETOWN

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Job Subcategory

Cook/Chef

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job: 80% Chef/20% Steward Duties
To design and deliver high quality catering for the British High Commission for a wide range of events which achieve UK objectives and project a dynamic modern image. In addition to catering expertise, the job requires excellent organisational skills and the ability to ensure the residence kitchen is always prepared to deliver to varied guests. The jobholder must have the flexibility to take on other tasks in the British High Commissioner’s Residence as required.

Roles and responsibilities

• Design menus, cook and deliver food for official house guests and events at the High Commissioner’s Residence and, on occasion, other High Commission events including receptions, dinners, lunches, breakfasts and conferences.
• Liaise with Residence & Event Manager to produce food reflecting themes and objectives of events and incorporating dietary needs.
• Shop for all meals offered and served at the residence. Ensure the store cupboard is always well stocked, replacing basic items as required and ensure all food and supplies are stored correctly, with comprehensive stock rotation.
• Order and purchase supplies for the kitchen including working with Residence Manager on ensuring beverages and supplies for events and house guests are available and offer value for money. Maintain accurate inventories and records.
• Manage casual kitchen staff during events.
• Book casual staff, tracking and costing food expenditures for events and credit card reconciliation.
• Responsible for health, hygiene and sanitation practices in the residence kitchen, including educating guests and staff when required, to ensure all health & safety requirements are met.
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness in the kitchen, ensuring the kitchen is cleaned before and after every event and all waste disposed of in the appropriate manner in line with FCDO requirements.
• Serve at table for smaller, more intimate events including breakfasts.
• The jobholder may be asked to take on additional duties in the Residence if required.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• 2-3 years of relevant experience as a chef/cook – or proven track record in a similar role.
• Hygiene certificate.
• Good leadership, team working and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and quality.
• Creativity and flexibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and sometimes to tight deadlines.Language requirements:Language: EnglishLevel of language required: Strong English language skills, both oral and written.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Worked in diplomatic kitchen or professional kitchen environment.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

19 September 2025

Grade

Administrative Officer (AO)

Type of Position

Permanent

Working hours per week

38

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

Barbados

Location (City)

Bridgetown

Type of Post

British High Commission

Number of vacancies

1

Salary

BBD$ 7,485

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

3 November 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Barbados.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, e.g. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second of subsequent candidate.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities.

Additional information

Learning and development opportunities:

• Induction
• Manual Handling
• Government Data Protection Regulations
• Safeguarding

Working patterns:

The normal working pattern for this role is 38 gross hours per week, which includes mandatory lunch breaks. However, flexibility is required, and hours may be scheduled across evenings and weekends depending on operational needs. Any hours worked beyond the standard 38 gross hours will be compensated through Time Off In Lieu (TOIL).

This role is open to anyone with status to work and reside in Barbados. The role will involve close collaboration with internal & external departments and stakeholders, so excellent interpersonal skills are essential, as are strong staff management skills. A strong organisational focus is required to ensure all executive administrative duties are completed accurately and delivered in a timely manner. The successful candidate must be comfortable at conversing at all levels within the organisation, demonstrate initiative, common sense and be able to manage a small team with minimal supervision. The highest level of personal integrity, honesty, confidentiality, reliability and professionalism is essential for this role.

• The period of probation for this role in 6 months, though the British High Commission reserves the right to extend this in order to fairly assess performance.
• A full induction and coaching will be arranged for the successful applicant.
• The monthly starting salary for this full-time position is BD$7,485 gross.
• A comprehensive mandatory pension plan is offered after successful completion of the probation period. Subject to plan provider approval, group medical coverage is offered after the first month of service.
• This is a full-time position at 38 hours per week to be worked flexibly.
• Annual leave entitlement is 16 days rising to 20 days after one year of service. A combination of up to 14 UK and local public holiday days are also observed

Note: Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment

Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on September 19, 2025

All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements