About us

Fodder is an award-winning farm shop and café celebrating, the very best food and drink from Yorkshire.

Fodder acts as a shop window for local farmers and producers, helping consumers to access local food easily. All the profits from Fodder go to help fund the charitable work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Fodder is well known for its quality and exceptional customer service.

Our Proud Values

Professional – we act with integrity, we are reliable, consistent, and honest. We deliver on our promises; we are accountable.

Respectful – we are kind, courteous and considerate; we are mindful of others. We are happy, friendly and create a productive, fun, working environment.

Open-minded – we are receptive to new ideas and innovative ways of working together. We listen to and respect the opinions and perspectives of others.

United – we work together, as a united team. We communicate, collaborate, and share knowledge in pursuit of our common goals.

Dedicated – we are focused, loyal and ready to help each other. We are committed to going the extra-mile to deliver a first-class service to everyone we work with.

Fodder is accredited with Best Companies as a Top 75 Mid sized Employer in the UK, Top 20 UK Best Charitable Employer in the UK, and top 45 Best Regional Employer in Yorkshire & Humber.

Purpose of the Role

This is an exciting time to join the Fodder team, as we look to develop and expand our catering offer. The ideal candidate will have the experience, energy and desire to develop this key role, as we continue to grow. Managing the overall daily operations of the kitchen and support Fodder takeaway, delivering first class Yorkshire dishes, whilst ensuring efficiency and financial targets are met. To train and motivate the team and to ensure they are knowledgeable about the amazing Yorkshire food we serve. Be organised, with the administration of managing a team efficiently.

Working Pattern

40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 operational days of the week.

Key Responsibilities

· This is a hands-on role, running a successful kitchen team, managing the day-to-day operations of a busy kitchen.

· To consistently produce and deliver top class Yorkshire dishes.

· Produce top class Yorkshire food, assist in creating menus that showcase Yorkshire produce, whilst actively coaching the team to ensure quality, economical and timely food production.

· Ensure all in the kitchen team operate to the same high levels of food production and cooking ensuring portion sizes, garnishes and the final product are served in the prescribed manner and to food hygiene standards.

· Lead, inspire and manage the kitchen team in line with Society procedures and policies.

· Induct and train team members following Society policies and provide ongoing support to all Fodder colleagues.

· Achieve financial targets, including sales and pricing appropriately to achieve product margin and wage margin targets. Using our EPOS system to run daily and weekly reports.

· To assist the Catering Manager in maintaining high customer satisfaction and assist with resolving any customer complaints.

· Plan and prepare kitchen schedules, ensuring these are kept within budget.

· To ensure all health and safety regulations for Fodder are adhered to and followed, including maintaining and updating allergen processes.

· To ensure the Fodder HACCP plan is followed and to complete all relevant paperwork, playing a major part in maintaining 5 stars for food hygiene standards.

· Deal with all recruitment and selection of team members for the kitchen team, with the assistance of the Catering Manager.

· Liaise closely with the cafe team, to ensure individual food orders are communicated clearly and the food service works seamlessly, from the kitchen to our customers.

· Competitively order stock, ensure regular stock rotation and control. Proactively manage wastage and find solutions to minimise waste across the business.

· Work with the Catering Manager to promote our local Yorkshire suppliers. Creating daily specials that encompass our local suppliers, seasonality and current food trends.

· Work with the Catering Manager to plan and execute successful events, which may include occasional evenings.

· Be a key holder, opening and locking Fodder as required.

· To be a fire warden and first aider for Fodder.

· To recognise the importance of fairness and equality in the workplace, to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

· To be an ambassador of the Society values.

It is not possible for this document to totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outlined duties may therefore vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility.

Experience & Qualifications

· Considerable experience in producing consistently top-quality food in a busy kitchen.

· Considerable experience in being part of and leading a successful team. Whilst running a profitable kitchen.

· Good level of written and verbal skills.

· Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Software Suite.

· Food safety level two qualification, First Aid qualification and fire marshal preferable.

Personal Skills

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Software Suite.

· Polite and approachable.

· Focus, thoroughness, and keen attention to detail.

· Good level of written skills and ability to produce reports.

· Has a ‘can do/will do’ attitude.

· Excellent planning & organisational skills.

· Analysis of own performance and takes steps to improve this.

· Remains focused when faced with competing demands.

· Keeps people informed of progress on key tasks.

· Adapts their communication style to suit their customer / colleagues, responding to their feedback or queries.

· Work to tight deadlines.

· Accepts new ideas and change initiatives.

· Always conducts themselves in a courteous and professional manner.

· Always maintains the strictest levels of confidentiality.

Salaries and benefits

30 days holidays (inc Bank Holidays)
20% discount in our onsite award-winning Farm shop Fodder
50% discount at Harrogate Sports and Fitness centre
2 x staff social events
Pension 3% employer contribution
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and a GP helpline
Non-Contributory life assurance of 4x annual salary
Complimentary Great Yorkshire Show tickets after qualifying period
Free Parking
Work life balance
Closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day

YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

1 role available