Head Chef

Private Advertiser; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal benefits

Competitive remuneration

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Boab Tavern in High Wycombe is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team and set the standard for food quality and safety.

You will oversee all kitchen operations, develop menus, manage costs, train staff and collaborate with front-of-house to deliver exceptional dining experiences. This full-time role offers opportunities to shape culinary direction and drive innovation in a busy hospitality venue.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification or extensive practical experience in a professional kitchen.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Strong leadership, budgeting and menu development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and present high-quality dishes meeting standards
• Oversee all kitchen operations including food prep, cooking, plating and presentation
• Manage and supervise the kitchen team with training and feedback
• Create and develop menus showcasing culinary creativity
• Control food costs and manage inventory, ordering, stock levels
• Maintain strict hygiene and food safety standards
• Implement and monitor food safety protocols and compliance
• Collaborate with front-of-house to ensure seamless service
• Trial new recipes and techniques to improve the menu
• Monitor quality control and consistency across plates

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Time management

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

About the role

The Boab Tavern, located in High Wycombe, is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team. This is a full-time position offering an exciting opportunity to oversee all aspects of food preparation, kitchen operations, and culinary strategy. As Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind our kitchen, setting the standard for food quality, safety and innovation, whilst managing our dedicated kitchen team. This role is integral for delivering an exceptional dining experience to our customers and maintaining the reputation of our establishment.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and present high-quality dishes that meet our culinary standards and customer expectations.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation.
• Manage and supervise the kitchen team - providing training, guidance and performance feedback.
• Create and develop menus that showcase culinary creativity whilst meeting customer preferences and dietary requirements.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen inventory, ordering supplies and monitoring stock levels to minimise waste.
• Maintain strict hygiene and food safety standards in compliance with relevant legislation and company policies.
• Implement and monitor food safety protocols and ensure all staff adhere to health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff and management to ensure seamless service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Trial new recipes and cooking techniques to continuously improve our menu offerings.
• Monitor quality control and consistency across all plates served.

What we're looking for

• Formal culinary qualification or extensive practical experience working in a professional kitchen.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a Head Chef, or in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in food preparation, cooking techniques, inventory management, cost management and kitchen management.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, health and hygiene standards, and relevant legislation
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Leadership experience with proven ability to train, motivate and manage kitchen teams effectively.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all staff levels.
• Creative flair and a passion for developing innovative menus and culinary experiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Current knowledge of contemporary cooking trends and dining preferences.

What we offer

The Boab Tavern is committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, where our team members can thrive. We offer competitive remuneration, meal benefits, and the opportunity to work with quality ingredients and modern kitchen facilities. This role provides an excellent platform to showcase your culinary expertise and lead a talented kitchen team. We support professional development and encourage our chefs to continue evolving their skills. We foster a collaborative culture, where your contributions are valued and recognised, and you will be a valued member of our venue that prioritises quality and customer satisfaction.

About us

The Boab Tavern is a dynamic hospitality business committed to delivering exceptional food and service experiences to all. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards of quality and creating welcoming spaces, where customers can enjoy great food and hospitality. Our values centre on excellence, teamwork, and a genuine passion for the hospitality industry. We are dedicated to supporting our team and fostering a workplace where culinary creativity and operational excellence are celebrated.

Join us at The Boab Tavern and be a part of our success story in delivering outstanding hospitality experiences.

*Only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.