Head Chef

British Garden Centres; Horncastle; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established family business in Horncastle seeking a passionate Head Chef. The role involves managing kitchen operations, preparing high-quality meals, and leading the kitchen team. Ideal candidates should have experience in a busy kitchen and a flair for creative cooking. The position offers a flexible shift schedule, with no evening work and significant discounts at BGC locations.

Benefits

50% meal discount at any restaurant

20% discount at any store

Secure work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role essential.
• Ability to coach and develop a team.

Responsibilities

• Management of kitchen operations.
• Coaching and training kitchen staff.
• Food preparation and cooking.
• Monitoring portion sizes and waste.

Skills

Experience of working in a busy kitchen

Creative at making dishes

Knowledge of HACCP

Able to manage multiple orders

Good time management

Level 3 basic food hygiene

Stock and waste management experience

Job description

Head Chef

Full Time 37 Hours Per Week – Fully flexible 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 create 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 & 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, and additional discount rates at Woodthorpe Leisure Park.

Skills needed

• 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.

To apply: Please send your CV to Joanne Wilson, Restaurant Manager – [e-mail].

Applications close – Thursday 27th November 2025.