Head Chef

Full-time Head Chef, Leeds, up to £45,000 Wedding and Events Venue, Stunning Venue Great work/life balance The Benefits include: Superb salary Full menu autonomy 5 days over 7, you create a working rota 45 hour working week modern kitchen with all the latest kit and equipment Pension scheme Close to all city centre public transport links and parking available Our clients are a premier multi‑functional venue specialising in wedding celebrations, corporate banquets, and casual fine dining experiences. This purposely renovated venue establishment prides itself on delivering exceptional culinary experiences across various settings, from intimate dinners to grand celebrations. We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and elevate our clients dining and hospitality offerings to new heights. Position Overview As the Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all food operations within the venue. This includes managing the kitchen team, creating innovative menus, ensuring food quality and presentation standards, and maintaining efficient kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in wedding catering, banquet services, and casual fine dining, with a proven track record of leadership in high‑volume, diverse culinary environments. Key Responsibilities Menu Development and Execution: Create and regularly update diverse menus for wedding receptions, banquets, and casual fine dining experiences Develop seasonal menus that showcase local ingredients and culinary trends Design and execute custom menus for special events and client requests Ensure consistent food quality and presentation across all dining experiences Kitchen Management: Lead, motivate, and mentor a team of talented chefs, and kitchen staff Establish and maintain high standards of food preparation, hygiene, and presentation Oversee kitchen operations, including staff scheduling, inventory management, and equipment maintenance Implement and enforce food safety and sanitation procedures in compliance with local health regulations Wedding and Banquet Expertise: Collaborate with the events team to create memorable culinary experiences for weddings and large‑scale events Design and execute tasting menus for prospective wedding clients Develop innovative presentation techniques for buffet and plated banquet services Manage kitchen logistics for multiple concurrent events Financial Management: Work closely with management to establish and adhere to food cost targets Manage kitchen budget, including labour costs and equipment purchases Implement strategies to minimise waste and maximise profitability Conduct regular stock take checks and manage supplier relationships Team Development: Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff at all levels Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback Foster a positive work environment that encourages creativity and teamwork Implement ongoing training programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge #J-18808-Ljbffr