Head Chef

Blue Arrow - Newbury; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a passionate Head Chef to lead its kitchen team in a prestigious college in Oxford. This exciting role offers the chance to create diverse and seasonal menus for formal dining, student meals, and high-profile events, all while maintaining excellence in quality and presentation. The ideal candidate will inspire the kitchen team and manage all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. If you have a flair for culinary creativity and strong leadership skills, this is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark in a historic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Supportive working environment

Professional development opportunities

Generous holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-volume catering.
• Formal culinary training and certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Lead menu development and kitchen operations for a prestigious college.
• Ensure high standards of food safety and hygiene in the kitchen.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Organisational Skills

Creativity

Communication Skills

Budgeting

Food Safety Knowledge

Education

Formal Culinary Training

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef
Location: Prestigious College, Oxford
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Start Date: ASAP

Job Summary
A renowned college in Oxford is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead its kitchen team. This role offers the opportunity to deliver exceptional cuisine in a historic and prestigious environment. The ideal candidate will have a flair for creating menus that cater to a variety of occasions, including formal dining, student meals, and high-profile events, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Menu Development: Plan and design diverse, seasonal menus that meet the dietary needs and preferences of students, staff, and guests.
2. Kitchen Leadership: Manage and inspire the kitchen team, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and professionalism.
3. Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, stock control, and compliance with food safety regulations.
4. Event Catering: Deliver exceptional culinary experiences for college events, including formal dinners, conferences, and banquets.
5. Budget Management: Monitor food costs and maintain profitability while ensuring high-quality ingredients and presentation.
6. Health and Safety: Ensure strict adherence to food hygiene and safety standards, maintaining a clean and compliant kitchen environment.

Key Skills and Competencies

1. Strong leadership and team management skills.
2. Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
3. Creativity and innovation in menu planning and presentation.
4. Exceptional communication skills and attention to detail.
5. Proficient in budgeting, stock control, and ordering.
6. Thorough knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations (Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate required).

Qualifications and Experience

1. Proven experience as a Head Chef, preferably in a college, hotel, or high-volume catering environment.
2. Formal culinary training and certifications.
3. A track record of delivering high-quality, innovative dishes for a variety of audiences.
4. Experience managing teams and fostering professional growth.
5. Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergen management.

What We Offer

1. Competitive salary of £38,000 - £42,000 per annum, depending on experience.
2. A supportive and prestigious working environment.
3. Opportunities for professional development and training.
4. Generous holiday allowance and other college benefits.