Head Chef – Lead Creative Mediterranean Kitchen

WSH Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals during shifts

28 days holiday

Life Assurance

Refer-a-friend bonuses

Perkbox access

Performance incentives

Career progression

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work

Job summary

The Boxford is a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant in Berkshire seeking a Head Chef to lead a high-performing kitchen team, shaping the culinary direction and ensuring outstanding dishes. The role focuses on leadership, menu development, and operational excellence to deliver memorable dining experiences.

You will drive innovation, maintain calm under pressure, and foster a collaborative culture with growth opportunities for the team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef.
• Proficiency in diverse cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspire, lead and motivate the kitchen team to achieve business goals and exceptional service standards.
• Mentor, coach, and train team members through regular 1:1s, PDPs, and performance management.
• Manage recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and succession planning.
• Create a culture of excellence, learning, and mutual respect; uphold grooming, professionalism, and hygiene standards.
• Ensure high morale and team engagement through positive daily leadership.
• Oversee food preparation, plating, and consistency to a high Rosette-level standard.
• Maintain impeccable mise en place, production, cleanliness, and adherence to hygiene and food safety protocols.
• Plan and manage stock rotation, storage, food utilisation, portion control, and waste minimisation.
• Attend and conduct departmental meetings to ensure smooth operational communication across the business.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Team motivation

Education

Leaving Cert level education or above

NVQ qualification or equivalent

Job description

The Boxford is a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant in Berkshire seeking a Head Chef to lead a high-performing kitchen team, shaping the culinary direction and ensuring outstanding dishes. The role focuses on leadership, menu development, and operational excellence to deliver memorable dining experiences.

You will drive innovation, maintain calm under pressure, and foster a collaborative culture with growth opportunities for the team.