Head Chef

British Garden Centres; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% meal discount at BGC restaurants

20% discount at BGC stores

Discount rates for Woodthorpe Leisure

Job summary

British Garden Centres in Chilton, England is seeking a Head Chef with flair to lead our catering team and deliver fresh, nutritious meals to guests, while upholding the highest kitchen standards. You will manage kitchen operations, menu development, food ordering, stock control and compliance, and you will train and motivate the team to deliver a first-class culinary service in a fast-paced environment.

We offer a permanent, full-time role (40 hours per week, weekend work) with clear career

Qualifications

• Experience managing a busy kitchen with menu planning responsibilities.
• Strong HACCP knowledge and food safety compliance.
• Proven ability to coach and develop kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen operations, staff scheduling and training.
• Prepare, cook and present meals to a high standard.
• Monitor portion sizes, waste, and stock levels.
• Contribute to menu creation and daily specials.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food preparation

Stock control

HACCP knowledge

Team coaching

Time management

Food hygiene Level 3

Job description

Location: Chilton

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Hours: 40 Hours Per Week Including Weekends

We are seeking a Head Chef with flair and enthusiasm to join our existing Catering Team in providing good quality and tasty meals to our guests. You will be ensuring fresh and nutritious meals are served by maintaining the highest standards.

You will have management responsibility for the efficient operation of the kitchen. This includes helping creating menus, food ordering, stock control etc., together with ensuring that all kitchen policies and procedures are up to date and staff are compliant with them. Equally important is the training, motivation and inspiration of the kitchen team to deliver a first-class culinary service.

Experience in a similar role essential, we would love to hear from you.

What we offer:

• No evening work, split shifts or unsociable hours, year-round business.
• Security of working in a well-established expanding family business & the associated benefits
• Rate of pay negotiable, dependent upon skills and experience.
• Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day & Easter Sunday
• 50% meal discount at any BGC restaurant & 20% discount at any BGC store, additionally discount rates available for Woodthorpe Leisure Park.

Skills needed:

• Controlling and directing the food preparation process.
• Approving and polishing dishes before they reach the customer.
• Experience of working in a busy kitchen.
• Creative at making dishes but also able to work to specs.
• Experience of cooking carvery is an advantage.
• Knowledge of HACCP.
• Able to manage multiple orders.
• Professionalism and reliability, remain calm under pressure.
• Good time management.
• Level 3 basic food hygiene is an advantage.
• To be able to coach and develop a team.
• Stock and waste management experience.

Duties include:

• Management duties.
• Coaching team.
• Pushing sales.
• The taking of deliveries.
• Food preparation.
• Producing specials.
• Prepare, cook, and present food quickly and efficiently to a high standard.
• Monitor portion size and waste.

If you have passion, can work equally well as part of a team or independently, are up for a challenge and thrive in a fast-paced work environment, then we would love you to become part of our work family.

Applications close – Thursday 1st October 2026