Head Chef

Salary: Up to £37,000

Hours: Full time

Do you love leading a busy kitchen and being hands-on with food preparation? This garden centre is looking for an experienced Head Chef to take ownership of its newly refurbished kitchen operation.

This is a hands-on, influential role where you'll combine your passion for cooking and developing menus with the responsibility of managing the kitchen, leading the team, and maintaining exceptional standards.

The Role

You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring high-quality food, efficient service, and strong operational performance.

• Food Preparation & Service
• Kitchen Leadership
• Team Development
• Menu Planning & Food Quality
• Stock Control & Ordering
• Financial Performance & Cost Control
• Compliance & Food Safety
• Reporting & Communication

About You

Essential

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar senior kitchen role
• Strong leadership experience within a busy kitchen environment
• Good commercial awareness with experience managing food costs and labour
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards

Desirable

• Experience creating seasonal menus and specials

Key Skills

• Hands-on leader who leads by example
• Passion for producing fresh, high-quality food
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Calm and decisive under pressure
• Excellent communication and team-building abilities
• Commercially minded with a focus on quality and efficiency

Additional Information

• Weekend and seasonal flexibility required
• Hands-on cooking is a key part of the role
• Strong on-site leadership presence expected

Benefits

• Excellent work-life balance with no evening work
• Every 3rd weekend off
• Autonomy to be creative in the Kitchen