What are Back of House Jobs? When you dine out at a restaurant, your primary interaction is with the front-of-house (FOH) team: the friendly server taking your order, the efficient bartender crafting your drink, or the welcoming host seating you at your table. These roles are the face of the establishment, creating the customer experience we all appreciate.
But behind the scenes, a dedicated house team works tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. These are the back of house (BOH) jobs, and they are the unsung heroes of any successful restaurant, hotel, or catering company.
What Exactly Are Back of House Jobs?
Back of house roles encompass all the positions that don’t typically involve direct customer interaction. These jobs are crucial for the functionality of the business, focusing on food preparation, organisation, and maintenance that make the front-of-house operations possible.
What are Common Back of House Jobs Roles?
The specific BOH roles can vary depending on the size and type of establishment, but some common positions include:
Chefs and Cooks
From the Head Chef overseeing the entire kitchen operations to the line cooks expertly preparing food, these individuals are the culinary heart of the operation.
Prep Cooks
They handle the essential groundwork, such as chopping vegetables, preparing sauces, and portioning ingredients, ensuring the kitchen is ready for service.
Dishwashers
Often an entry-level but incredibly vital role, they keep the kitchen cleanliness a priority and ensure a constant supply of clean dishes and utensils.
Kitchen Porters/Assistants
They assist the chefs and cooks with various tasks, including cleaning, organising, and receiving deliveries.
Inventory and Purchasing Staff
In larger establishments, someone might be dedicated to managing stock levels, ordering supplies, and ensuring the house has everything it needs.
Management (Kitchen Manager,etc)
Overseeing the BOH operations, managing staff, and ensuring efficiency and adherence to standards.
5 Things to Know About Back of House Jobs
They are the backbone of the operation
Without a skilled and efficient BOH team, the front of house simply couldn’t function. They play a pivotal role that drives the entire dining experience.
It’s more than just cooking
While chefs and cooks are central, BOH roles also include crucial support staff like dishwashers, prep cooks, and inventory managers. Each role plays a vital part in the overall success of the house.
Attention to detail is key
From precisely chopping vegetables to ensuring the correct temperature of a dish, BOH roles demand meticulousness and a commitment to quality, impacting the menu and customer satisfaction.
Teamwork is essential
The back of house is a fast-paced environment where effective communication and collaboration are crucial to ensure smooth service.
It can be a stepping stone to a culinary career
Many successful chefs and restaurant managers started in entry-level BOH positions, gaining invaluable previous experience and skills along the way.
Why Back of House Roles Matter
While they might not be directly visible to the customer, the BOH team plays an indispensable role in the overall dining experience. They are responsible for:
- Food Quality and Consistency: Ensuring that every dish that leaves the kitchen is prepared to the correct standard and tastes delicious.
- Efficiency: A well-organised BOH ensures that food is prepared and delivered to the FOH in a timely manner. Back of House Team Members are responsible for ensuring that each and every item that leaves the kitchen is of the highest standards.
- Hygiene and Safety: Maintaining a cleanliness and safe working environment is paramount in food service, and the BOH team is crucial in upholding these standards.
- Cost Management: Efficient inventory management and minimising waste, often handled by BOH staff, directly impact the profitability of the business.
A Path to a Culinary Career
For many, a BOH job can be the first step on a rewarding culinary career path. Starting as a dishwasher or prep cook can provide valuable previous experience and the opportunity to learn from more senior kitchen staff. With dedication and training, individuals can progress to line cook positions, sous chef roles, and eventually even become a Head Chef.
Appreciating the Engine Room
Next time you enjoy a meal out, take a moment to appreciate the entire team that made it possible. While the front of house provides the service with a smile, it’s the back of house that provides the foundation that makes the entire organisation a success.
They are the engine room, working tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver a great experience, one plate at a time.
How can Pineapple Recruitment Help find a BOH job
Pineapple Recruitment is a leading recruitment agency focused on the hospitality and catering sectors in the UK. Here’s how we can help you:
- Specialised Knowledge: We have a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and the specific skills and experience required for Back of House roles.
- Network of Employers: We work with a wide range of companies within the hospitality sector, including restaurants, hotels, catering services, and more.
- Dedicated Recruiters: Our recruiters are experienced in finding candidates for house and back of house positions.
- Access to Unadvertised Roles: Sometimes, recruitment agencies are aware of job openings that aren’t publicly advertised, giving you a potential advantage in your job search.
- Support Throughout the Application Process: Pineapple Recruitment can assist you with your application, provide advice, and increase your chances of success.
Why Choose Pineapple Recruitment for Back of House Vacancies?
Pineapple Recruitment isn’t your average recruitment agency. From the West Midlands to Somerset, London to the North East, whether you’re hiring or looking for a job, we see ourselves as your partner, there to help you every step of the way.
If you’re an employer, we can help with everything from planning your hiring strategy and writing job ads to sifting through applications and choosing the right person. We get to know your company and team, acting like an extra part of your staff. And if you’re a candidate, we’ve got you covered too. We offer career advice, help with your CV, and finding you just the right role to help you shine. To keep up with the latest job vacancies head over to our jobs page or follow us on LinkedIn.
