Head Chef

Audley Group; Stanbridge; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company pension 5%

33 days holiday

50% food discount

Staff guest suites nationwide

Full training provided

Learning & development opportunities

Employee discount portal

Healthcare cash plan

Refer a friend bonus

Free uniform

Job summary

Audley Villages is seeking a proactive Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and craft seasonal menus that blend modern flair with classical English charm. You will oversee stock rotation, HACCP compliance and drive menu development while mentoring junior staff to deliver exceptional dishes across our villages.

The ideal candidate will have 2+ years in a similar role with fresh food experience, strong P&L awareness, and a collaborative leadership style to maintain high standards of service.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a similar Head Chef role with fresh food background.
• Ability to lead, motivate and deliver high standards of service.
• Organised and able to plan and lead a team.
• Experience with stock ordering and owning P&L accountability.
• Knowledge of GPIs, KPIs and their impact on the business.
• Desirable: experience cooking for dietary requirements.
• Experience mentoring and developing team members to use new techniques.
• Strong leadership and ability to train and manage kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Create seasonal menus that are modern yet classic.
• Produce consistently outstanding food during service.
• Manage stock rotation and implement new menus.
• Ensure HACCP guidelines are followed throughout operations.
• Mentor and develop junior kitchen staff and drive skill improvement.

Skills

Menu planning

Team leadership

Stock control

Quality assurance

Cost control

HACCP knowledge

Education

Food hygiene level 3

Job description

The Role:

Whether you're creating a traditional Sunday lunch, presenting our popular afternoon tea or creating a menu for one of our themed events, as our Head Chef you’ll deliver food that keeps our customers coming back for more.

With a newly created menu for each season, the menu is modern yet full of classical English charm. The elegant décor and relaxed atmosphere make the perfect setting for a unique and special dining experience.

As our Head Chef you will produce consistently outstanding food during service, you’ll also manage everything from stock rotation and the implementation of new menus to ensuring HACCP guidelines are being followed. Whether you’re mentoring and developing junior members of the team, or stock ordering or developing the menu you’re going to be a vital member of this small, talented team.

The Ideal Candidate:

• You will be a passionate, approachable and friendly Head Chef, with 2 or more years’ experience in a similar role, with a background in fresh food cooking.
• You will have the ability to lead, motivate and deliver high standards of service with a genuine and approachable manner.
• You will be an organised individual who is able to effectively plan, communicate and lead the team.
• You’ll be qualified to Food hygiene level 3
• You’ll have experience of stock ordering and taking accountability for a P&L.
• You’ll have knowledge of GP's, KPI's and their impact on the business.
• Previous experience cooking for people with strict dietary requirements would be desirable.
• Previous experience of mentoring a team and developing and coaching them to use new techniques and skills in order to create exceptional dishes for our customers.
• Leadership skills will be proven along with the ability to train, mentor and manage a team of Kitchen staff, keeping them engaged and motivated.

In Return You Will Receive:

• Work life balance - no split shifts
• Competitive salary
• Company pension scheme, with a 5% company contribution
• 33 days holiday (inclusive bank holidays)
• 50% discount on food and drinks at all of our restaurants nationwide
• Guest suites at staff rates at all of our luxury villages nationwide
• Full training provided by our Academy
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Free membership to our employee discount portal with access to discounts at all major retailers.
• Free membership to our Healthcare Cash Plan Scheme
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Free uniform and a lot more

AEM Living is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. See also 'DE&I policy/statement'