# Head Chef – Café Theatre at Redfields Garden Centre **Lead a kitchen where great food, creativity and hospitality take centre stage.** At the Café Theatre within Redfields Garden Centre, we are looking for an exceptional Head Chef who brings energy, leadership and genuine passion to every service. This is an opportunity to shape a thriving daytime food destination, inspire a talented team and create memorable dining experiences for our guests. If you are a chef who takes pride in fresh, quality food, thrives on leading from the front and enjoys the work-life balance that comes with daytime trading hours, we would love to hear from you. ### Why Join Us? * Competitive salary based on experience * Daytime hours with an excellent work-life balance * Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday * Opportunity to lead and develop your own kitchen team * Creative input into menu development and seasonal specials * Supportive and welcoming working environment * Staff discounts and company benefits * Career development opportunities within a growing business ## The Role As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the kitchen operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and service. You will be instrumental in developing menus, controlling costs, training the team and maintaining the reputation of one of the area's most popular dining destinations. ## Key Duties and Responsibilities ### Kitchen Leadership * Lead, motivate and inspire the kitchen team. * Recruit, train, mentor and develop chefs and kitchen assistants. * Create a positive, professional and productive kitchen culture. * Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions. * Manage staffing levels and rota planning to meet business needs. ### Food Preparation and Service * Prepare, cook and present dishes to consistently high standards. * Ensure all meals are served according to recipe specifications and presentation standards. * Monitor food quality throughout service. * Maintain speed and efficiency during busy trading periods. * Ensure all customer dietary requirements and allergen needs are managed safely and accurately. ### Recipe and Specification Management * Develop, maintain and enforce detailed recipe specifications. * Ensure all team members follow recipes, portion controls and preparation methods exactly. * Produce clear preparation guides, cooking instructions and plating specifications. * Regularly review recipe compliance and consistency across all menu items. * Train staff on recipe execution and presentation standards. * Conduct spot checks to ensure specifications are being followed at all times. * Maintain accurate allergen and ingredient information for every dish. ### Menu Development * Design seasonal menus, specials and promotional dishes. * Identify food trends and customer preferences. * Introduce fresh ideas while maintaining commercial viability. * Work closely with management to develop food offerings that enhance customer experience and profitability. ### Stock and Cost Control * Manage food ordering and supplier relationships. * Monitor stock levels and minimise waste. * Conduct regular stock takes. * Control food costs, gross profit margins and kitchen expenditure. * Ensure accurate stock rotation using FIFO principles. * Investigate and address stock discrepancies. ### Food Safety and Compliance * Ensure full compliance with food hygiene regulations and company policies. * Maintain excellent food hygiene ratings. * Implement and monitor HACCP procedures. * Ensure all health and safety standards are adhered to. * Maintain accurate kitchen records and documentation. * Carry out risk assessments and ensure corrective actions are completed where necessary. ### Operational Management * Oversee all daily kitchen operations. * Manage equipment maintenance and report repairs promptly. * Ensure kitchen cleanliness is maintained at all times. * Monitor workflow efficiency and identify improvements. * Support the wider management team in achieving business objectives. ### Customer Experience * Maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction. * Respond professionally to customer feedback. * Ensure food quality consistently exceeds guest expectations. * Support special events, themed dining experiences and seasonal promotions. ## What We're Looking For * Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. * Strong leadership and people management skills. * Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen regulations. * Experience managing food costs, stock control and kitchen budgets. * Passion for fresh food and exceptional customer service. * Strong organisational and communication skills. * Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure. * A hands-on approach with high standards and attention to detail. * Relevant food hygiene qualifications. ## Join Our Team This is more than a Head Chef role. It is an opportunity to lead a kitchen that sits at the heart of a vibrant garden centre destination, where great food, warm hospitality and community come together every day. If you are passionate about food, committed to excellence and ready to make your mark, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of the Café Theatre story at Redfields Garden Centre.
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
