Head Chef

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 #J-18808-Ljbffr