Head Chef – Independent Café | Burford, Oxfordshire
We are a well-established café in the heart of the Cotswolds, known for our warm atmosphere, quality food, and loyal local following. We're looking for a talented and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen and take our food offering to the next level.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will have full ownership of the kitchen operation. This is a hands-on position — you'll be cooking day to day as well as managing the team around you. Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and evolving a seasonal café menu, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and baked goods
- Maintaining consistent food quality and presentation across every service
- Managing food costs, portion control, and supplier relationships to protect margins
- Leading, motivating, and rostering a small kitchen team
- Ensuring full compliance with food hygiene and health & safety standards (Food Safety Level 3 minimum expected)
- Ordering stock, managing wastage, and keeping GP targets on track
- Working closely with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth, efficient service
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, ideally in a café, bistro, or informal dining environment
- A genuine passion for fresh, honest food made well
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- The ability to stay calm and lead under pressure
- Commercially minded — someone who understands the importance of margins, not just great food
- A positive, team-first attitude
The Details
- Location: Burford, Oxfordshire
- Hours: Full-time (days only — no late nights, 4 days on, 3 days off)
- Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
- Start date: Flexible for the right candidate
If you're a chef who takes pride in their kitchen and wants the freedom to put their stamp on a much-loved local café, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £30,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Burford, Oxfordshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- DRIVERS LICENCE (preferred)
Work Location: In person
