Creative Sous Chef: Lead Kitchen & Menu Innovation

Baxterstorey Uk; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BaxterStorey is seeking an Executive Head Chef to lead and elevate our culinary team. You will develop innovative menus, oversee high‑quality food preparation, and ensure consistent presentation and service for discerning guests.

With strong supervisory experience and a passion for food and customer service, you will manage kitchen operations, mentor staff, and drive efficiency, costs, and standards across all events and daily service.

Qualifications

• NVQ qualifications or equivalent.
• Proven experience as an Executive Head Chef or similar role.
• Excellent craft skills background.
• Successful progressive background in catering.
• Basic and intermediate Food Hygiene certificates.
• Strong supervisory experience.
• Ability to display a real passion for food and customer service.
• Good numeracy skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (SharePoint, Forms, OneDrive, Outlook).
• Good delegation and influencing skills.
• Demonstrate analytical approach to problem solving.
• Excellent communicator at all levels.
• Ability to plan ahead.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in developing innovative menus, ensuring an exceptional culinary experience for our guests.
• Oversee food preparation and cooking processes to maintain consistency and high-quality standards.
• Ensure proper portioning, plating, and presentation of dishes, adhering to SOPs and guidelines.
• Monitor and maintain food inventory levels, ensuring freshness and minimising waste.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Train, mentor, and motivate team members, promoting skill development and career growth.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and address any areas of improvement or training needs.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to schedule shifts, manage labor costs, and maintain adequate staffing levels.
• Assist in coordinating and executing daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, and service.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to develop and implement standardized processes and procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor and control food costs through effective inventory management and portion control.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to create seasonal menus, incorporating fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
• Contribute to the development of new recipes, paying attention to food trends and client's preferences.
• Assist in planning and executing special events, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the front-of-house staff to ensure seamless coordination between the kitchen and dining areas.
• Participate in menu tastings and contribute to menu development based on guest feedback and market trends.

Skills

Team player

Supervisory experience

Excellent communicator

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Numeracy

Passion for food & service

MS Office

SharePoint

Forms

OneDrive

Outlook

Education

NVQ Qualifications or equivalent

Basic and intermediate Food Hygiene certificates

Tools

SharePoint

Forms

OneDrive

Outlook

Job description

BaxterStorey is seeking an Executive Head Chef to lead and elevate our culinary team. You will develop innovative menus, oversee high‑quality food preparation, and ensure consistent presentation and service for discerning guests.

With strong supervisory experience and a passion for food and customer service, you will manage kitchen operations, mentor staff, and drive efficiency, costs, and standards across all events and daily service.