Parklife Café is looking for an experienced, hands-on Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen operation.
Based in Banstead, Surrey, Parklife is a busy independent café and licensed venue serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, alongside private functions and evening events. We need someone who can lead a team, maintain consistently high food standards and ensure the kitchen is fully compliant and ready for an EHO inspection at all times.
Food safety and EHO compliance are central to this position. The successful candidate must be confident managing all kitchen documentation, cleaning standards, allergen controls and food-safety procedures without needing close supervision.
Key responsibilities
- Take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Lead, train and supervise the kitchen team.
- Maintain excellent food quality, presentation and service standards.
- Ensure full compliance with EHO requirements and current food-safety legislation.
- Maintain an accurate and up-to-date Safer Food Better Business or HACCP system.
- Complete and oversee temperature records, delivery checks, date labelling, traceability and stock-rotation records.
- Manage allergen information, cross-contamination controls and PPDS labelling where applicable.
- Implement and monitor effective daily, weekly and deep-cleaning schedules.
- Ensure the kitchen is clean, organised and inspection-ready at all times.
- Manage ordering, stock levels, supplier relationships and food storage.
- Control food costs, portion sizes and wastage while maintaining quality.
- Develop new dishes, seasonal specials and menus suitable for the café and private events.
- Produce properly costed recipes and maintain consistent preparation methods.
- Plan staffing levels and kitchen rotas around expected trade and functions.
- Identify equipment, maintenance or pest-control concerns and report them promptly.
- Work closely with the café management team to improve sales, standards and customer experience.
What we are looking for
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or experienced Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Strong, demonstrable knowledge of EHO compliance and food-safety management.
- Experience maintaining a high EHO food-hygiene rating.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification or equivalent.
- Current allergen-awareness training.
- A confident and organised leader who can set clear standards for the team.
- Good understanding of food costing, gross profit, stock control and waste reduction.
- Ability to remain calm and organised during busy services.
- Reliable, practical and willing to be hands-on in the kitchen.
- Flexibility to work weekends and occasional evenings for private functions.
What we offer
- A senior role with genuine ownership of the kitchen.
- The opportunity to influence menus and develop the food offering.
- A friendly, independent working environment.
- Staff meals and employee discounts.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Opportunities to grow alongside the business.
This position would suit someone who takes real pride in running a clean, organised and commercially successful kitchen. We are looking for a Head Chef who understands that excellent food and excellent compliance must go together.
To apply, please send your CV and a brief explanation of your experience managing food safety, EHO compliance and kitchen teams.
Pay: £27,618.34-£49,373.41 per year
Work Location: In person
