Head Chef - Daytime Only

Westcountry Water Gardens Ltd; Crediton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead its vibrant Garden Restaurant team. This role offers a unique opportunity to showcase culinary expertise while managing a friendly kitchen environment. With a focus on quality and locally sourced ingredients, you will innovate seasonal menus and ensure exceptional customer service. You will be responsible for team leadership, financial management, and maintaining health and safety standards. If you are passionate about food and enjoy leading a team in a picturesque setting, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Permanent Position

Modern Kitchen Environment

Qualifications

• Proven technical cooking skills and a flair for menu design.
• Strong leadership abilities to supervise and develop team members.

Responsibilities

• Foster team spirit and harmony to ensure a happy working environment.
• Develop seasonal menus focusing on quality, locally sourced ingredients.
• Manage costings and establish retail prices to maximize profitability.

Skills

Exceptional Customer Service

Culinary Expertise

Attention to Detail

Strong Leadership

Effective Communication

Organizational Skills

Problem Solver

Integrity and Honesty

Energy and Work-rate

Team Player

Adaptability & Flexibility

Job description

Job Title:

Head Chef

Location:

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Devon, conveniently situated between Okehampton and Crediton.

Job Description:

We are excited to announce a rare opportunity for a talented, friendly and calm Head Chef to join our vibrant Garden Restaurant team. Our restaurant prides itself on delivering good food in a friendly & pleasant environment, and we seek a culinary leader who embodies both excellent cooking skills and exceptional people management abilities.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working Hours: Enjoy an excellent work-life balance with a 5-day work week, including the option for one weekend day or an alternate full weekend off. All shifts are during the day with no split shifts, and no late-night or evening shifts.
• Permanent Position: This is a long-term opportunity with no shifts on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year's Day, ensuring you have time to relax and celebrate with loved ones.
• Modern Kitchen Environment: Work in a spacious, air-conditioned kitchen.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Foster team spirit and harmony to ensure a happy working environment.
• Menu Innovation: Develop seasonal menus that appeal to our customers, focusing on quality, locally sourced ingredients.
• Financial Acumen: Manage costings and establish retail prices to maximize restaurant profitability.
• Prep Planning: Oversee daily and weekly food preparation schedules, effectively delegating tasks within the kitchen team.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Train and supervise team members in health and safety protocols, manage processes and record keeping (SFBB), ensuring rigorous adherence to regulations.
• Food Presentation: Maintain consistent excellence in the display and presentation of all dishes.
• Inventory Management: Effective stock ordering, receiving and controlling.
• Daily Operations: Lead daily team briefings to communicate preparation tasks and specials while updating menu boards accordingly. Lead cleaning rota & daily processes – lead by example, supervise and delegate to team. Control waste management – recycle food to avoid wastage.
• Promotional Strategy: Innovate ideas to promote the Cafe, especially to drive trade during the Winter months.

Key capabilities required to do the role:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Customer service centric. Go the extra mile for customers.
• Culinary Expertise: Proven technical cooking skills and a flair for menu design.
• Attention to Detail: An eye for details in food preparation and presentation.
• Strong Leadership: Natural ability to supervise and develop team members, fostering a supportive workplace.
• Effective Communication: Excellent people skills to engage with both team and customers.
• Organizational Skills: Strong administration abilities and effective task prioritization.
• Problem Solver: Ability to make quick, informed decisions and maintain composure under pressure.
• Integrity and Honesty: Uphold strong values both in the kitchen and within the team.
• Energy and Work-rate: A positive, can-do attitude is critical.
• Team Player: Must be a team-player and a natural supervisor. Lead by example, develop others. Open to others’ ideas.
• Adaptability & Flexibility:

If you are a passionate culinary leader looking for a rewarding and fulfilling role in a beautiful & friendly setting, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application and join us in creating a great customer experience.

Apply Now and take the next step in your culinary career!