Head Chef

Wilson Vale; Oxford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Craft works training

Paid training

Employee assistance programme

Online employee benefits scheme

Birthday off after 1 year

Enhanced maternity pay

Job summary

Wilson Vale is seeking a Head Chef for a college in Oxford. The role is permanent, approx. 40 hours/week, five days out of seven on a rota. You will lead a kitchen team, plan menus, manage stock, and deliver high-quality, fresh food from scratch in a fine dining environment.

You will work closely with the Executive Chef to maintain brand standards, drive innovation, and train staff across services, including events and hospitality.

Qualifications

• LOVE food and love working in a team.
• Positive attitude and proactive approach.
• Excellent customer service skills and strong communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuringhigh standards across services.
• Plan menus with Executive Chef and develop food offerings.
• Manage stock, budgeting, ordering and training of staff.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene, and ensure accurate records.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Communication skills

High pressure environment

Hospitality experience

Local knowledge

Creativity

Training and development

Presentation skills

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to become our new Head Chef at one of our Colleges in Oxford.

This is a permanent position working approximately 40 hours per week, across 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis.

Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.

Our culture unites us. We stand for craft, quality, creative freedom, forward thinking and integrity. We never compromise on our commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and the fantastic people that make it all happen!

As Head Chef, you’ll work closely with our Executive Chef on menu planning, stock control and the ongoing development of our food offering. You’ll lead a talented kitchen team, including two Senior Sous Chefs and our Chef de Parties, overseeing daily service as well as special events and hospitality. With all food prepared from scratch, we’re looking for someone who is passionate about fresh ingredients, creative menu development and innovation, with a strong background in fine dining. You’ll bring the experience and confidence to lead a busy kitchen operation, maintain high standards and inspire your team to deliver exceptional food and service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cater to the needs of all customers
• Be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to assist and manage a team
• Deliver consistent food standards following the Wilson Vale brand standards.
• Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative food from around the world to all customers
• Responsible for food safety, hygiene and Health and Safety both in practice and keeping relevant records
• Allergy reporting and responsibility for sign‑posting to customers
• Budgeting, ordering, stock taking
• Training

As our Head Chef you will join and head up a talented team and will deputise in the Executive Chef’s absence. You will be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all dishes. You must be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to manage a brigade of chefs across all services. You will be able support the Executive Chef in training and developing the team.

You will also be responsible for delivering consistent food standards following both the Wilson Vale brand standards and also adding that additional flair to our services. You will need fresh and current menu ideas and must be able to show flare in your work.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• LOVE food, and love working in a team.
• Positive attitude
• Have good customer service skills and strong communication skills.
• Be able to work in a high-pressured environment.
• Strong premium hospitality experience in another venue
• Local knowledge and experience working in the area
• A passion for exceptional service is essential
• Strong understanding of service styles, food trends
• Innovation and creativity
• A passion for training and development
• Exceptional presentation skills
• Articulate and very well organised
• Proactive and reliable

OUR CULTURE:

• Craft at our core - we pride ourselves on our craft-skilled chefs who create wonderful fresh food from scratch.
• t’s all about the food - the menu is the most important document our chefs write every week.
• Quality, seasonal ingredients - 300+ British suppliers and our chefs can source locally.
• Freedom to create - our teams love to cook up exciting food themes and pop‑ups to keep the food fun.
• Support like no other - our business was founded by family and we have stayed true to those same family values of nurturing development, protecting our values and building trust and loyalty.
• Making food that not only tastes great but is good for the planet. We have always had a strong environmental ethos and are dedicated to our social and environmental commitments.
• We believe in tailored training and opportunities to build your career with us.

WILSON VALE PERKS:

• Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities
• Craft Works - Free craft-focused career development training programme
• Paid training bespoke to you
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme- your wellbeing is very important to us
• Online employee benefits scheme - monetary savings on everyday items!
• Your Birthday off every year after 1 years’ service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay

Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams - everyone at has a voice.