Head Chef

The Recruitment Group; Garford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Head Chef to manage kitchen operations in one of Oxfordshire's prestigious farm centres. The role involves leading a team, menu development with fresh, local produce, and ensuring high food hygiene standards. Competitive salary of £40,000 - £42,000 per year, with sociable hours and opportunities in event catering. Candidates must have a proven Head Chef background and be adept at managing stocks and budgets.

Benefits

Work with high-quality home-grown produce

Opportunity to lead a talented team

Catering opportunities with events

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef is essential.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and allergen management.
• Ability to manage a fast-paced kitchen efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage the kitchen team.
• Design and develop menus with seasonal produce.
• Ensure high standards of food hygiene and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Communication skills

Menu development

Stock management

Job description

We're on the lookout for a Head Chef to work in one of Oxfordshire's most prestigious farm centres on a full-time basis.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head Chef to take charge of our kitchen operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled leader who is passionate about fresh, seasonal cooking, using produce grown on-site.

Due to the location candidates will need transport.

About the role:

As a Head Chef you will be responsible for:

• Leading, motivating, and managing the kitchen team
• Ensuring the highest standards of food hygiene, safety, and allergen awareness
• Designing and developing menus to reflect home‑grown and seasonal produce
• Managing staff rotas, authorizing holidays, and monitoring sickness levels
• Overseeing stock control, ordering, and supplier management
• Completing regular audits and maintaining compliance with all regulations
• Supporting with event catering where required
• Running the kitchen efficiently and effectively to consistently deliver quality

Key Responsibilities:

• Proven Head Chef experience is essential
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management
• Ability to manage rotas, stock, and budgets effectively
• Creative approach to menu development with an emphasis on fresh, local produce
• Flexible, reliable, and confident in a fast‑paced kitchen environment

Company Benefits:

• Work with high‑quality, home‑grown produce
• Opportunity to lead a talented and supportive kitchen team
• Be part of an exciting, expanding food operation with event catering opportunities

Working Hours:

Sociable daytime hours (7:00 am - 4:00 pm) any 5 days in 7 (Monday to Sunday).

Salary:

Competitive salary of £40,000 - £42,000 per year.

Contact:

For more information and to apply, get in touch with Gary at our Oxford branch.

We wish you the best of luck in your job search!