Head Chef

Blue Arrow; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Workplace pension scheme

Staff benefits

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Blue Arrow is seeking a Head Chef to lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen in Hitchin. You will plan, cost and deliver menus for residential courses, meetings and events, while guiding a team of chefs and kitchen staff to excellence.

You will manage stock, food costs and budgets, ensuring compliance with HACCP/SFBB and health & safety regulations. A proactive, collaborative approach and a passion for outstanding food are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience in menu development, food costing and budget management.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP/SFBB) and kitchen compliance.

Responsibilities

• Planning, costing and delivering high-quality menus for various events and residential courses.
• Leading and motivating a team of chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Managing stock control, ordering and monthly stock takes.
• Ensuring compliance with Food Safety, Hygiene and Health & Safety legislation.
• Managing kitchen administration, maintenance schedules and procedures.
• Preparing meals that cater to diverse dietary, cultural and medical requirements.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Menu development

Food safety knowledge

Budget management

Job description

As Head Chef, you will have full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, including:

• Planning, costing and delivering high-quality menus for residential courses, meetings, private functions, events and lettings.
• Leading and motivating a team of chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Managing stock control, ordering, food cost budgets and monthly stock takes.
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety, Hygiene and Health & Safety legislation.
• Managing kitchen administration, maintenance schedules and operational procedures.
• Preparing and producing high-quality meals that cater to a wide range of dietary, cultural and medical requirements.
• Supporting the Hospitality Operations Manager in the successful running of the catering operation.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role.
• Has strong leadership and team management skills.
• Is experienced in menu development, food costing and budget management.
• Has excellent knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP/SFBB procedures and kitchen compliance requirements.
• Thrives in a busy hospitality environment and can adapt to varying business needs.
• Has a passion for delivering outstanding food and excellent customer service.
• Is organised, proactive and able to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary of £30,000 - £32,000 depending on experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Additional staff benefits.
• A supportive and welcoming working environment.
• The opportunity to be part of a respected organisation at the heart of the UK's music and arts community.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people