Are you an inspiring and experienced Head Chef with a passion for fresh, seasonal food and leading high-performing kitchen teams?
Highfield Garden World is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead our kitchen brigade and drive the continued success of our vibrant restaurant. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a creative, seasonal menu within a well-established destination that values quality, consistency, and innovation — all while enjoying an excellent work-life balance with daytime-only service.
As Head Chef, you will oversee all kitchen operations, lead and develop a dedicated team, and work closely with senior management to maintain the exceptional standards our customers have come to expect from Highfield Garden World.
What We Offer
- 40 hours per week
- Daytime hours only – no evening shifts
- Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday
- Supportive and professional working environment
- Full creative input into seasonal menus and daily specials
- Opportunity to lead and develop a passionate kitchen team
- Staff meals and employee discounts
- Long-term career progression within an established and growing business
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to freshness, flavour, quality, and presentation.
You will lead by example, inspiring your team to consistently deliver exceptional food and service standards. The role encompasses menu development, kitchen organisation, food safety compliance, stock management, financial control, and team development, while fostering a positive and professional kitchen culture.
This is a hands-on leadership position ideal for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced fresh-food environment and enjoys balancing creativity with operational excellence.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
- Lead, organise, and motivate the kitchen team during preparation and service
- Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day kitchen operations
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and service
- Support all kitchen sections during busy trading periods
- Create a positive, professional, and team-focused working environment
- Manage staff rotas in line with business requirements and labour budgets
Menu Development & Food Preparation
- Design and develop seasonal menus, specials, and new dishes
- Champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible
- Ensure consistency, portion control, and quality standards across all menu items
- Drive creativity and innovation throughout the menu offering
- Monitor food trends and customer preferences to keep menus relevant and exciting
- Ensure all dietary and allergen requirements are managed accurately and professionally
Stock Control & Financial Management
- Manage ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships
- Monitor gross profit margins and support cost-effective kitchen management
- Minimise waste through effective stock rotation and purchasing procedures
- Ensure accurate portioning and cost control across all dishes
- Conduct regular stock takes and maintain accurate records
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP, and health & safety regulations
- Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen
- Ensure all food is stored, labelled, and handled correctly
- Oversee cleaning schedules and kitchen maintenance procedures
- Maintain excellent standards for Environmental Health inspections
Team Development & Communication
- Recruit, train, and develop kitchen team members
- Support junior chefs in building their skills and confidence
- Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and mentoring
- Communicate effectively with front-of-house teams and senior management
- Lead by example with professionalism, positivity, and a strong work ethic
Person SpecificationEssential
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef within a professional kitchen
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Passion for fresh, seasonal food and high-quality presentation
- Experience managing kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organisational and time-management abilities
- Strong understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, and kitchen compliance
- Ability to manage stock, labour, and food costs effectively
- Calm, professional, and solution-focused under pressure
Desirable
- Experience within a garden centre restaurant, café, or casual dining environment
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
- Interest in modern British seasonal cuisine
- Experience developing menus and managing supplier relationships
- Strong knowledge of allergen management and dietary requirements
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about food and proud of their craft
- A confident and motivating leader
- Creative, driven, and full of ideas
- Calm, organised, and dependable under pressure
- Friendly and professional in a customer-facing environment
- Dedicated to maintaining exceptional standards every day
Our restaurant is a popular destination known for freshly prepared food, seasonal menus, indulgent treats, and warm hospitality.
We are committed to celebrating quality ingredients and delivering memorable dining experiences in a welcoming daytime setting.
If you are a talented Head Chef seeking daytime hours, creative freedom, and the opportunity to lead a passionate kitchen team within a thriving and respected business, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
