Full-Time | 45 Hours per Week
At The Stables Hospitality, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional food and memorable guest experiences across our busy restaurant, weddings, and private events. We host between 15–30 weddings annually, alongside a varied programme of functions and events, making this an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation.
We are seeking a passionate, organised, and hands-on Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment. The successful candidate will combine strong leadership skills with excellent culinary expertise and a comprehensive understanding of HACCP, food safety compliance, and kitchen management standards, ensuring consistently high levels of quality, safety, and efficiency across both our restaurant and event catering operations.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will take overall responsibility for the kitchen, leading and inspiring your team while maintaining exceptional food quality, efficiency, and profitability. You will work closely with management to develop menus, oversee kitchen operations, and ensure every guest receives an outstanding dining experience.
This role is based on a 45-hour working week, with a strong focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Unlike many hospitality businesses, evening work is limited, with an average of approximately 40 evening services or events per year. We also recognise the importance of family time, which is why the business is closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
- Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality at all times.
- Design and deliver seasonal menus that reflect customer preferences, current trends, and the identity of The Stables Hospitality.
- Plan and execute wedding, event, and function catering to the highest standards.
- Manage food purchasing, stock control, and supplier relationships.
- Monitor food costs, wastage, and gross profit margins to support business objectives.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and appraise kitchen staff, encouraging continuous development.
- Work collaboratively with front-of-house and management teams to deliver seamless service.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen operation.
- Handle guest feedback professionally and proactively.
Additional Key Responsibilities
- Ensure full compliance with all food safety legislation, maintaining excellent kitchen standards and hygiene practices at all times.
- Lead and manage the kitchen's HACCP system, ensuring all records, monitoring procedures, and documentation are completed accurately and consistently.
- Conduct regular kitchen audits and implement corrective actions where necessary to maintain compliance and best practice.
- Promote a culture of food safety, cleanliness, and accountability throughout the kitchen team.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy restaurant, hospitality venue, or events operation.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- Excellent culinary skills and a passion for high-quality food.
- Experience catering for weddings, events, or large functions.
- A thorough understanding of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance requirements.
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
- Experience with menu planning, food costing, stock management, and supplier negotiations.
- The ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining exceptional standards.
- A positive, proactive, and professional approach to hospitality.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- A structured 45-hour working week.
- Limited evening commitments (average 40 evenings per year).
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day off every year.
- The opportunity to lead a respected and growing hospitality operation.
- Creative input into menu development and event catering.
- Supportive management team and positive working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
If you are an experienced chef looking for a leadership role that combines restaurant dining, weddings, and events while offering a better work-life balance than many hospitality businesses, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: From £38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
