Relief chef/driver

Introduction

This job description outlines the key responsibilities, expectations, and personal qualities required for the role of Relief Chef / Driver assistant at Purple Ski. While it covers the core duties, it is not exhaustive. Flexibility and a positive, can-do attitude are essential. You may be asked to take on additional tasks as needed to ensure our guests have an exceptional holiday experience—one they'll want to repeat and recommend.

Working in a chalet is all about being part of a team. Flexibility, collaboration, and initiative are vital.

You will work hard—but you will also have time to ski or snowboard, socialise with guests, and enjoy life in the resort.

It's not just about our guests. We also value our relationships with chalet owners. Every property must be treated with the utmost care and returned in an “as new” condition at the end of the season.

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OVERVIEW RELIEF CHEF

The Relief Chef plays a vital role in supporting chalet operations, stepping in for designated chalet chefs on their day off. Responsibilities include preparing a cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, and a family-style evening meal. On changeover days, the Relief Chef assists with cleaning and preparing the chalet. They also contribute to the smooth running of all Purple Ski activities, ensuring that the company's high standards are consistently upheld.

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Previous Experience Relief Chef

• Ability to cook to a high standard is essential – with a focus on hearty, high-quality home-style meals rather than fine dining.
• Substantial hands-on experience in the hotel or catering industry (e.g., housekeeping, waiting staff), preferably in high-end establishments.
• Demonstrable and significant experience in child care is essential.
• Experience driving large vehicles, especially on snow or abroad, is highly desirable.
• A good level of spoken French is desirable.

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Main Duties

General Responsibilities

• Create a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere for all guests, including children.
• Be available to answer questions or resolve issues, always aiming to exceed guest expectations and ensure they have the best possible ski holiday, on and off the slopes.
• Be knowledgeable about the resort, local services, and Purple Ski policies (via the website and staff manual).
• Refer any guest complaints to the Resort Manager promptly.
• Ensure smooth handover to and from the dedicated chalet team to maintain service standards.
• On changeover days, assist guests with ski hire, lessons, and equipment servicing.
• Help guests use personal laundry facilities as needed.

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Relief Chef Duties

On the chef's day off, the Relief Chef is responsible for:

• Coordinating closely with the chalet chef for smooth handovers.
• Preparing, serving, and clearing away breakfast.
• Setting out and clearing afternoon tea.
• Cooking a family-style evening meal if required.
• Cooking for self and other staff working in the chalet that day.
• Preparing, serving, and clearing children's tea.
• Cleaning the kitchen, equipment, and dining area, ensuring all areas are spotless after each service.
• Cleaning food storage areas, including fridges and freezers, when needed.
• Babysitting as required until 11 pm and performing evening turn-down service (refreshing bedrooms and bathrooms).
• If adult guests dine in, providing support including preparing accompaniments, serving, and washing up.
• Ensuring the chalet is warm and inviting for guests returning from the slopes.
• Clearing away pre-dinner drinks and maintaining a fully stocked guest bar/fridge.
• Keeping a fresh fruit bowl available to guests at all times.
• Completing chalet laundry as needed.
• Supporting the chef with handovers to maintain consistency and quality.

The Relief Chef may also be assigned to cover for a Chalet Manager or Chalet Assistant when needed, working as a housekeeper and waitress to ensure service and cleanliness standards are upheld.

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Additional Duties

• Preparing and packing transfer picnics for guests arriving or departing via Purple Ski Transfers.
• Reporting and arranging repairs or replacements for household equipment via the Maintenance team.
• Providing backup for other chalet staff in case of illness or emergencies.
• Supporting performance reviews and staff appraisals throughout the season.
• Carrying out other tasks as requested by the Resort Manager.

OVERVIEW RELIEF DRIVER

The Relief Chalet Assistant/Driver plays a vital dual role within the Purple Ski team. Reporting to the Chalet Manager and Resort Manager, they are jointly responsible for the daily operation of their assigned chalet, ensuring the highest standards of service and cleanliness are consistently met. This role combines guest-facing responsibilities, driving services, and hands-on support in the chalet, working alongside the Chalet Manager and Chef.

While no cooking is required, the Chalet Assistant/Driver is expected to contribute actively to all other operational aspects of the chalet and provide an exceptional in-resort driving service.

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Essential Requirements

• Full driving licence and a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience.
• At least 2 years of professional driving experience (passenger or goods), or possession of a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
• Experience with large vehicles, driving on snow, and/or driving overseas is highly desirable.
• Background in hospitality, specifically in waitering/waitressing and/or cleaning/chambermaid roles, is a significant advantage.
• Must be proactive, dependable, flexible, and committed to delivering exceptional service. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential.

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Main Responsibilities

Guest Services

• Create a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment for all guests.
• Provide assistance with restaurant bookings, equipment issues, and general enquiries.
• Actively support guests with any issues during their stay, referring concerns to the Resort Manager when necessary.
• Ensure effective communication and handovers on days off to maintain service continuity.

Chalet Duties

• Maintain a clean and well-stocked chalet environment, including replenishing guest supplies, managing firewood, and clearing snow from driveways, balconies, and steps.
• Support daily housekeeping routines such as vacuuming, bed-making, bathroom cleaning, and general tidying.
• Assist with meal service, including laying the table, serving, clearing, and washing up after breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner.
• Maintain hot tubs, saunas, and other spa facilities according to hygiene and safety protocols.
• Manage rubbish and recycling, ensuring daily disposal and cleanliness.
• Help with chalet changeovers and seasonal setup/shutdown.

Driving Responsibilities

• Provide safe, punctual, and courteous transportation for guests within the valley.
• Conduct airport and train station transfers as scheduled. Deliver a clear and informative welcome talk during transfers.
• Drive chalet staff as required and assist with emergency transport needs.
• Ensure strict compliance with all French traffic laws and Purple Ski safety protocols.
• Maintain daily vehicle cleanliness (interior) and bi-weekly exterior cleaning.
• Monitor and log vehicle usage, fuel consumption, and report any issues or maintenance needs promptly.
• Flexibility to work in other chalets or resorts as needed, to provide support during busy periods or to cover staff absences due to illness.

Additional Duties

• Assist the Supplies Manager with delivery and distribution of supplies.
• Collect and deliver fresh bread, newspapers, magazines, and gas bottles for the chalet.
• Help coordinate linen collection and distribution.
• Perform shopping errands for emergency items when needed.
• Assist with the movement of chalet equipment and inventory as necessary.
• On occasion provide a resort driving service for guests, offering transport to and from the chalets, ski lifts, and any other in-resort locations as requested, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.