About the Role

Adkins & Cheurfi are delighted to be  looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead a kitchen team and oversee the smooth, efficient and safe day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Chef, Sous Chef or Head Chef who enjoys working in a busy, high-volume environment and takes pride in delivering consistently high-quality, fresh food.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining high food standards, leading and developing the kitchen team, managing stock and costs, and ensuring full compliance with food safety and health and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Kitchen Management

• Oversee the smooth, efficient and safe day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Ensure the kitchen is organised, clean and fully prepared for each service.

Menu Planning

• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager to develop seasonal, high-quality menus and daily specials.
• Contribute ideas to ensure menus remain fresh, appealing and commercially successful.

Stock & Cost Control

• Manage food ordering and supplier requirements.
• Carry out regular stock counts and ensure effective stock rotation.
• Monitor food usage, portion control and waste to maintain strong cost control.
• Ensure stock is stored correctly and in accordance with food safety requirements.

Team Leadership

• Lead, train, motivate and coach the kitchen team.
• Create a calm, organised and positive working environment.
• Ensure all members of the kitchen team understand and consistently meet the required food preparation, hygiene and service standards.
• Lead by example and support the team during busy service periods.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with HACCP procedures, food hygiene regulations and health and safety legislation.
• Maintain accurate kitchen records and food safety documentation.
• Ensure the kitchen consistently meets the standards required to maintain an excellent 5-star Food Hygiene Rating.
• Maintain effective allergen controls and ensure all relevant procedures are followed.

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare, cook and present fresh, high-quality food efficiently and consistently.
• Ensure food is produced to the required standards and specifications.
• Maintain quality and consistency during busy service periods.

High-Volume Service

• Lead the kitchen effectively during peak periods, including weekends, bank holidays and Christmas lunch services.
• Ensure the team remains organised and focused while maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and customer service.

Skills & Qualifications

Experience

• Proven professional experience working in a high-volume commercial kitchen, café or restaurant environment.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a Senior Chef, Sous Chef or Head Chef position.
• Demonstrable experience of leading and managing a kitchen team.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of HACCP and food safety procedures.
• Good knowledge of allergen management and controls.
• Strong understanding of kitchen stock management, ordering, portion control and waste reduction.

Qualifications

• Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety / Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Relevant culinary qualifications would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Reliable, organised and professional.
• Calm and effective under pressure.
• Confident managing high-volume orders and busy service periods.
• Able to work independently while taking responsibility for the wider kitchen team.
• A strong communicator and positive team leader.
• Passionate about producing high-quality, fresh food.
• Committed to maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards.

Benefits

• No unsociable evening hours
• Major holidays off, including Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
• Staff discounts across the café and garden centre
• On-site parking
• Excellent staff facilities
• Opportunity to join an established family-run business
• Permanent position with long-term stability and responsibility