Head Chef – Golf Club & Events | Droitwich
Location: Droitwich Golf Club
Salary: £34,000–£38,000 per annum, depending on experience
Position: Full-Time
Reports to: Jay Halford
About the Role
Droitwich Golf Club is looking for an ambitious, hands-on and creative Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen operation and help shape the next stage of our food offering.
This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who enjoys variety, creativity and responsibility. You will oversee the day-to-day clubhouse and Spike Bar food operation while also developing and delivering menus for golf societies, private functions, weddings, corporate events and dinners for 100+ guests.
We are looking for someone who can lead from the front, maintain high standards and bring fresh ideas to the kitchen, while working closely with the club management and front-of-house team.
Key Responsibilities1. Kitchen Management & Operations
- Take overall responsibility for the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen.
- Oversee breakfast, lunch, clubhouse and Spike Bar services.
- Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team, including sous chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Organise rotas and allocate kitchen duties effectively.
- Manage food ordering, stock levels and regular stock takes.
- Monitor food costs, portion control and waste to ensure strong commercial performance.
- Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.
- Ensure the kitchen operates in accordance with UK food hygiene, Health & Safety and HACCP requirements, maintaining the club's 5-star food hygiene rating.
2. Menu Development
- Develop and continually improve a varied clubhouse and Spike Bar menu combining classic favourites with contemporary dishes.
- Create practical, appealing menus that work well for golfers, members and visitors.
- Design flexible menus for golf societies, weddings, private functions, corporate events and presentation dinners.
- Cater confidently for larger events of 100+ guests while maintaining quality and consistency.
- Develop seasonal specials and new dishes to keep the food offering fresh and exciting.
- Ensure vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices are thoughtfully incorporated across the menus.
3. Quality & Standards
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, flavour and portion control.
- Ensure every dish leaving the kitchen meets the required standard.
- Monitor feedback from members, guests and management and use it to continually improve the offering.
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety throughout the kitchen.
4. Team Leadership
- Lead by example as a hands-on chef.
- Train, mentor and develop members of the kitchen team.
- Create a positive, respectful and productive working environment.
- Communicate effectively with front-of-house, bar staff and club management.
- Ensure the kitchen team is properly prepared and organised for both daily service and larger events.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is passionate about food, commercially aware and confident running a kitchen.
Essential
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
- Experience working in a busy kitchen environment.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Good understanding of food costing, stock control and kitchen margins.
- Ability to organise and deliver food for larger functions and events.
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene and HACCP procedures.
- Ability to remain calm, organised and hands-on during busy services.
Desirable
- Experience within a golf club, hotel, gastropub, events or banqueting environment.
- Experience catering for weddings, golf societies or private functions.
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification or equivalent.
- NVQ Level 2/3, City & Guilds or other relevant culinary qualification.
The Hours
This is a full-time hospitality role, so some flexibility is required around the club's events and functions, including occasional evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
However, the role is primarily centred around the club's regular operating schedule and planned events, with rotas organised in advance wherever possible.
We are looking for someone who values professionalism, teamwork and a sustainable approach to working hours, rather than simply expecting the kitchen team to work excessive hours.
What We Offer
- £34,000–£38,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- The opportunity to take genuine ownership of the kitchen and food offering.
- A varied role combining daily clubhouse service with events, weddings and banqueting.
- The opportunity to develop and introduce your own menu ideas.
- A supportive working environment.
- The chance to build and develop a kitchen team.
- A role where your ideas and contribution can have a direct impact on the club's food offering and member experience.
Why Join Us?
This isn't simply a role where you'll be expected to follow an existing menu.
We are looking for a chef who wants to make their mark.
You will have the opportunity to shape the clubhouse food offering, develop menus, work on exciting events and build a kitchen operation you can be proud of.
If you're an experienced Sous Chef ready to step up, or an established Head Chef looking for a role with creativity, autonomy and variety, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £34,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
