Head Chef

Umami; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career growth opportunities

Collaborative environment

Influence on culinary direction

Job summary

Umami in Hemel Hempstead is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, deliver high-quality dishes, and inspire creativity while ensuring consistency with our standards.

You will oversee food preparation, manage inventory, control costs, and ensure strict health and safety compliance. This leadership role requires mentoring staff and collaborating with management to plan menus and events.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen leader.
• Knowledge of cooking techniques and ingredients.
• Strong leadership and team management.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Ability to manage costs and inventory.
• Excellent communication with front-of-house and management.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team and ensure smooth operations and high-quality meals.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to standards.
• Maintain inventory, control stock, and minimize waste.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate kitchen staff.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and clean kitchen environment.
• Plan and execute menu specials, promotions, events.
• Monitor kitchen costs including food, labor, overhead.
• Maintain quality control and consistent presentation.
• Lead by example and foster positive team culture.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and repairs coordinated.
• Handle customer complaints regarding food.
• Monitor cleanliness and safety per regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Menu development

Food safety

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality dishes that exceed customer expectations. As the Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, managing the culinary team, maintaining food quality, and ensuring adherence to health and safety standards. This is a leadership role where you'll be expected to inspire creativity, develop new menus, control costs, and maintain a positive, productive kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team, ensuring smooth operations, excellent food quality, and efficient preparation of meals.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring dishes are served according to the restaurant's standards.
• Maintain inventory levels, control stock, and minimize waste by managing portion sizes, stock rotation, and sourcing products efficiently.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, to ensure high levels of skill and motivation.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and company policies, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with the restaurant management team to plan and execute menu specials, promotions, and events.
• Monitor and manage kitchen costs, including food, labor, and overhead expenses, to achieve financial goals.
• Maintain quality control, ensuring that food is prepared and presented consistently and in line with the restaurant's standards.
• Lead by example, demonstrating leadership in managing the kitchen team, addressing problems, and promoting a positive team culture.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is well-maintained and in good working condition, coordinating repairs or replacements as needed.
• Handle customer complaints regarding food, providing solutions and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness, hygiene practices, and safe food handling, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or in a similar culinary leadership role within a restaurant.
• In-depth knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, and food preparation methods.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire kitchen staff.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and health and safety standards.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Financial acumen to manage kitchen costs, including food, labor, and inventory control.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
• Creative flair and a passion for food and cooking.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior kitchen staff to enhance their skills and support their career growth.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with front-of-house staff and management.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the restaurant schedule.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the restaurant.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• The chance to lead a dynamic kitchen team and influence the direction of the restaurant’s culinary offerings.