Head Chef

Harrods; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious dining establishment in Cheltenham is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead their high-end kitchen. You will oversee daily operations, ensure food safety, and inspire your brigade to deliver exceptional culinary experiences. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in similar roles and strong leadership skills. This position offers competitive pay, sociable hours, and excellent benefits including generous annual leave and in-store discounts.

Benefits

Competitive annual salary plus tronc

Sociable working hours

33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

Birthday off free

Up to 33% in-store discount

Generous pension

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a Head Chef in high-volume, high-end restaurants.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations and inspire a team.
• Strong background in hygiene and food safety.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen's daily operations and team.
• Ensure high standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Manage internal systems for efficient workflows.
• Collaborate with the Sous Chef to optimize resources.

Skills

Leadership and motivation

Time management

Attention to detail

Creativity in food preparation

Customer focus

Tools

SAP

Workday

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Head Chef

We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef to join our passionate, supportive, and award‑winning dining team, all within our iconic Knightsbridge store. Here at Harrods, we currently house more celebrity chefs, and exclusive dining brands than any other location in the UK.

About the Role

Step into the spotlight as Head Chef at one of our most celebrated dining destinations. In this prestigious role, you’ll lead the charge in crafting unforgettable culinary experiences, inspiring and energizing your brigade to deliver excellence with every plate.

You’ll be the mastermind behind the kitchen’s daily operations, setting production levels, organizing workflows, and empowering your team to thrive under your leadership. Additionally, you’ll ensure seamless organization by managing our internal systems like SAP and Workday, while closely collaborating with the Sous Chef to optimize staffing and resources.

At the heart of this role is your commitment to exceptional standards, both in the dishes you create and the meticulous attention to hygiene and food safety. You’ll champion a culture of excellence, maintaining the highest levels of food safety and hygiene across the kitchen.

About You

You’re a seasoned Head Chef with a proven track record of success within high‑volume, high‑end restaurant environments. While working to dedicated recipe specifications will be at the core of your role, we’ll also look to you to channel your creativity and passion for food.

As a supportive and inspiring leader, you’ll motivate your brigade to consistently deliver quality while fostering a collaborative and professional kitchen culture. Your sharp time‑management skills and customer‑focused mindset will be key to maintaining and strengthening our partnership with this prestigious brand.

Attention to detail will come naturally to you, evident in your meticulous paperwork, well‑organized department, and precise stock management. On top of that, your strong PC literacy (including Word, Excel, and ideally SAP) will ensure smooth operations behind the scenes.

Our Promise to You

Help us make the impossible possible for our customers and we’ll do something remarkable for you. As well as offering a friendly environment to inspire your best work, we provide abundant opportunities and support to build an exceptional career across the varied specialisms of our business.

In return for your hard work as a Head Chef, you’ll learn every aspect of working in a busy, premier kitchen and will receive some great benefits including:

• Competitive annual salary plus tronc*
• Sociable working hours
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off free
• Up to 33% in‑store discount
• Generous pension
• Great learning and development opportunities to help further your career

Uniquely You

Whilst our job adverts outline the ideal qualities, skills, and prior experience for the role, we believe in the potential for growth and value individual strengths. If you can demonstrate the majority of skills and strong experience to thrive in this role, we would encourage you to apply.

At Harrods we believe the personality and authenticity of our people sets us apart. We celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes, and experiences and are proud of our culture where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.

If you want to know more about our people and our culture, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, Facebook or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods

*The amount of tronc you receive will vary and is not guaranteed by either Harrods Ltd or the Troncmaster. However, the Troncmaster will always distribute 100% funds available each period according to the Rules, a copy of which will be provided to all members.

Additional Information

Time Type: Permanent

Department: Restaurants (Faye Morris)