Head Chef

The Flintlock at Cheddleton; Leek; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant in Leek is seeking a Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations, lead a team, and maintain high culinary standards. The role includes menu creation, inventory management, and ensuring customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including flexible hours and generous holiday leave.

Benefits

Very Competitive salary and tips

Private health benefits

Christmas and Christmas Day enforced break

Summer enforced break

4 Day week

Regular weekend days off

5 weeks paid holiday

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in a senior kitchen role, with at least 1 year as a Head Chef.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and manage the kitchen team for efficient operations.
• Develop and design new menus while maintaining high culinary standards.
• Oversee food preparation and ensure quality control.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Creativity

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Education

Culinary Degree/Certification

Job description

Location

The Flintlock at Cheddleton

Reports to

Owner and General Manager

Responsible for

Lead a team of chefs to manage to day to day running of The Flintlock and Apres Restaurants

Purpose

The Head Ched is responsible for overseeing the kitchen's daily operations. You will lead a team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and cleanliness. The role includes maintaining high quality 3 AA Rosette standard product, full supplier and inventory management, and fostering a positive and efficient working environment.

Key Duties, Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Leadership: Lead, train, and manage the kitchen team to ensure consistently smooth and efficient operations.
• Menu Creation & Innovation: Develop, plan, and design new menus while maintaining consistency and high culinary standards. Adjust the menu seasonally or based on customer feedback overseen by Thom as the owner.
• Food Preparation & Quality Control: Oversee food preparation and presentation, ensuring all dishes meet the restaurant's high standards.
• Inventory Management: Manage kitchen inventory, order supplies, and ensure cost control to maximize profitability.
• Staff Training & Development: Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff. Ensure proper kitchen hygiene and safety protocols are followed.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Enforce proper food safety and hygiene procedures, including maintaining a clean kitchen environment and adhering to enforced food safety codes.
• Budget Management: Oversee kitchen budget, including food costs and staff wages. Manage wastage and maintain cost-effective practices.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensure the food and service quality meet customer expectations. Address any concerns or feedback related to food quality.
• Collaboration: Work closely with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service, special orders, or dietary needs are met.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Proven Experience: Minimum of 3 years in a senior kitchen role, with at least 1 year as a Head Chef or in a leadership capacity.
• Culinary Degree/Certification: Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Creativity: Ability to create innovative and exciting dishes that align with the restaurant's concept and Thom’s approval and approach to menu design.
• Time Management: Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to Detail: High standard of food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy items as necessary.

Work Environment:

• Schedule: Flexible work hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Work Conditions: Fast-paced kitchen environment with a team-oriented atmosphere.

Benefits:

• Very Competitive salary and tips.
• Private health benefits as part of package.
• Christmas and Christmas Day enforced break.
• Summer enforced break.
• 4 Day week.
• Shifts spread between Tuesday – Sunday.
• Regular weekend days off.
• 5 weeks paid holiday.