Senior production chef

This apprenticeship is in the process of being revised. In the meantime, the version below remains approved for delivery. Further details of this and other occupational standards and apprenticeships in revision are available in the revisions status report.

Overview of the role

Managing a team to produce standardised dishes and menus within a kitchen environment.

Senior production chef

Reference Number: ST0232

Details of standard

Occupational profile

Senior production chefs may lead a brigade team or may support the head chef in larger establishments. They report activities to the Head chef or appropriate line manager. They supervise production chef teams in a variety of kitchen environments, for example; schools, hospitals, the Armed Forces, care homes and high street casual dining or pub kitchens. Job roles include Head chef, Second Chef, Kitchen Manager / Supervisor, Cook. Senior production chefs have accountability for the day-to-day running of the kitchen service, producing, monitoring and maintaining consistent food standards, legislative requirements and quality across all areas and during all stages of production and supply.

Senior production chefs:

  • supervise and contribute to the production of centrally developed standardised recipes and menus
  • supervise the production of dishes to meet specific dietary requirements
  • complete, monitor and maintain food safety management systems (which include delivery, storage, cooking and service) and work equipment
  • identify training needs and assist in the recruitment of kitchen personnel
  • maintain the catering operating budget using nominated suppliers and ensuring the control of waste.
  • support cost reduction, improve performance, revenue, profit margins and customers’ experience
  • monitor service to improve efficiency and productivity.
  • lead team briefings/meetings
Entry Entry requirements to be set by employers, but previous achievement of level 2 production chef or a minimum of 12 months relevant industry experience.
Duration The duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 12 months
English and maths Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
Level This apprenticeship standard is set at level 3
Review After three years

 

 Knowledge and understanding (know it) Skills (show it)
Kitchen operations
  • The organisation or brand specifications and how to use them to produce standardised menu items and dishes.
  • Par stock levels, quality points and safe storage conditions for food items.
  • The importance of monitoring the correct use and maintenance of food production equipment and the procedure for dealing with misuse and malfunctions.
  • The importance of keeping up-to-date with product range, brand development, promotions and current trends.
  • Supervise the production of centrally developed menu items and dishes according to organisational specifications.
  • Ensure deliveries are checked and stored correctly.
  • Monitor the correct use and maintenance of food production equipment.
  • Acquire and share with the team up-to-date information regarding product range, brand development, promotions and current trends.
Nutrition
  • The importance of combining nutrient groups to produce balanced menu items and dishes.
  • The importance of checking that the food production team is meeting the specific needs of individuals.
  • Monitor the production of food to ensure clients’ needs are met.
Legal and governance
  • The importance of monitoring the team’s understanding and compliance with all relevant industry specific regulations, legislation and procedures.
  • The role of the supervisor in ensuring due diligence requirements are met.
  • Monitor and ensure the effective implementation of food safety management systems.
  • Monitor and ensure legislative compliance and the completion of due diligence documentation.
People
  • How to support and influence the team positively to deliver a high quality product.
  • Recognise how all teams are dependent on each other and understand the importance of teamwork both back and front of house in achieving business objectives.
  • How to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures and how local demographics may impact the product range of the business.
  • How to communicate knowledge to the team and support own and individuals’ development.
  • Support team members to ensure the timely delivery of high quality food to the specification required.
  • Maintain harmony across the team and with colleagues in other parts of the organisation, identifying and dealing with problems constructively to drive a positive outcome.
  • Use effective methods of communication and operate in a fair and empathetic manner that achieves the desired result and demonstrates a customer centric culture.
  • Identify development needs for self and team and actively encourage and support individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Business or Commercial
  • The business vision, objectives and brand standards, and the importance of the team in upholding these.
  • How to operate efficiently to deliver profit margins, reduce wastage and support the overall financial performance of the business.
  • Understand how technology can improve efficiency and productivity within food production organisations
  • How to identify, plan for and minimise risks to the food production, service and operation
  • The customer profile of the business, its main competitors and the business growth strategy.
  • Effectively use techniques that support cost reduction, improve performance, revenue, profit margins and customers’ experience.
  • Monitor costs, using forecasting to set realistic targets with the team.
  • Effectively control resource allocation, minimise wastage and use sustainable working practices.
  • Use technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
  • Risk assess situations, identifying and isolating matters of concern, by establishing the cause and intervening accordingly to minimise risk to people and organisation.
  • Carry out activities in line with business/brand values that actively market the business, support competitiveness and help meet business objectives.
Behaviours (live it)
  • Act as a role model to the team
  • Be diligent in ensuring safe and hygienic practises are followed
  • Strive to achieve the required outcome and support positive, open communications that help team members achieve the best result for customers and the business
  • Be solution focussed when dealing with unexpected challenges
  • Celebrate personal growth and the achievement of team members
  • Show passionate enthusiasm to provide high quality food products
  • Take pride in their role through a consistently positive and professional approach

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Status: Approved for delivery
Level: 3
Reference: ST0232
Version: 1.4
Date updated: 26/06/2023
Approved for delivery: 7 September 2016
Route: Catering and hospitality
Minimum duration to gateway : 12 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £4500
LARS Code: 139
EQA Provider: Ofqual

Senior production chef assessment plan

File size: 446.85 KB
Employers involved in creating the standard: Ask Italian, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), Bartlett Mitchell, Brend Hotels, British Army. Caffe Nero Group Ltd, Center Parcs, Greene King PLC, Hilton, J D Wetherspoon, LACA, Marston's PLC, Mitchells & Butlers, Nandos, Omni Facilities Management, PGL, Pizza Hut, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Sea Fish

Print the occupational standard (including PDF)

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.4 Funding band revised 26/06/2023 Not set
1.3 The funding band for this standard has been reviewed as part of the apprenticeship funding band review. The new funding band is £4000 and will be implemented for all new starts on 30 September 2019. 01/07/2019 25/06/2023
1.2 Standard revised 07/01/2019 30/06/2019
1.1 Standard and end-point assessment plan revised 20/11/2018 06/01/2019
1.0 Retired 07/09/2016 19/11/2018

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