Overview
We are in search of a Head Chef, an energetic leader with a big personality and impressive portfolio of past achievements and accolades. No two days will be the same as we offer an impressive range of catering choices. From workplace to fine dining, street food, grab & go to major event catering. The role includes full responsibility of kitchen production, overseeing our contract catering sites in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, health & safety, food hygeine and workplace compliance. Menu development and implementation along with the ability to mentor junior team members.
If you have a real passion for cooking, love working with local suppliers using seasonal ingredients, have endless amounts of energy and a plentiful supply of creative ideas then we want to hear from you.
In return for your commitment we offer free reign to show off your skills and creative flair, the chance to make a big name for yourself through company PR and marketing. A profit related bonus based on company KPI’s, meals on duty, pension and varied working days. We are predominatly a Monday to Friday business with Saturdays shared across the kitchen team throughout busy seasons.
What we are looking for?
- Experience working in a fine dining or 1-2 AA Rosette level.
- A driving license is essential as you will be required to drive company vehicles to and from events and catering sites.
- You will lead on creative and seasonal menu development for both our workplace catering clients, café sites (which are in operation Monday – Friday) and private and corporate clients. Based on a client brief, work on personalised menus for clients presenting them at tastings.
- Desirable event experience and dealing with large banquet numbers of up to 1,000 people and beyond.
- Responsible for HACCP across all sites and uphold our 5* Health and Hygiene Score and must have Food and Safety Level 4.
- To manage and be responsible for all back of house operations, leading a team of chefs and kitchen porters, leading by example and developing their skillset with necessary training.
- A natural leader who thrives in a busy and diverse environment and can multi-task.
- Hours are flexible to suit you however this is a full-time position.
- Excellent written, verbal communication and negotiation skills to support you in your senior role.
- Food ordering from our nominated suppliers.
- Fully capable of understanding and maintaining the confidentiality across the site and respecting the needs of all stakeholders.
- Strong creativity skills with an ability to think beyond a brief, to have a passion for driving high standards, within a retail environment.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage costs and ensure budgets are met.
Skills
- Proven supervising experience within a busy kitchen environment
- Strong background in food production, food safety, and hygiene standards
- Excellent team management and leadership abilities
- Proficient in food preparation, cooking techniques, and menu development
- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to multitask effectively under pressure
- Knowledge of hospitality industry best practices and customer service excellence
- Ability to inspire creativity among team members while maintaining consistency in quality
- Strong communication skills to coordinate across departments and with suppliers
This role is ideal for a motivated culinary professional eager to grow with the company who are in an exciting period of growth. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, family friendly working environment committed to excellence.
Pay: Up to £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- Category C1E Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
