Head Chef - Lead Mediterranean Kitchen & Team Growth

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

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals during shifts

28 days holiday

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Perkbox access

Job summary

The Boxford in Berkshire is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire a high-performing kitchen team. You will drive seasonal menus, ensure Rosette-level quality, and maintain high standards of hygiene and service in a busy 65-cover setting.

You will shape the culinary direction, foster a collaborative culture, and manage budgets, stock, and administration. A 45-hour contract and competitive salary (£40,000pa plus tronc) reflect the role's seniority.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef.
• Proficiency in diverse cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Leaving Cert level education or above.
• NVQ qualification or equivalent.
• Ability to display a real passion for food and customer service.
• Flair and innovative with menus and food presentation.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

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.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations to ensure smooth, efficient service for approximately 65 covers (up to 90 in peak service).
• 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.
• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, efficient, and compliant with all H&S legislation (COSHH, Food Safety, Legal Regulations, Environmental Policies).
• Operate and maintain all kitchen equipment to ensure safe and effective 24/7 operation.
• Lead on menu development, bringing seasonal, innovative, modern Italian flavours to life.
• Drive innovation and continuously improve culinary standards, techniques, and processes.
• Guide team members to cook and present dishes of exceptional quality, ensuring consistent guest satisfaction.
• Manage all food budgets, recipe costing, GP targets, and overall kitchen profitability.
• Plan and manage ordering in line with anticipated business levels.
• Oversee stock rotation, storage, food utilisation, portion control, and waste minimisation.
• Complete and oversee all kitchen administration tasks including due diligence logs, compliance documentation, and daily checklists.
• Monitor adherence to all kitchen policies and procedures and implement improvements where required.
• Attend and conduct departmental meetings to ensure smooth operational communication across the business.
• Manage rotas, shift coverage, and resource planning across restaurant, and events operations.
• Anticipate guest needs and manage challenging service situations with professionalism and calm authority.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Team development

Quality control

Communication

Education

Leaving Cert or above

NVQ or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

The Boxford in Berkshire is seeking a Head Chef to lead and inspire a high-performing kitchen team. You will drive seasonal menus, ensure Rosette-level quality, and maintain high standards of hygiene and service in a busy 65-cover setting.

You will shape the culinary direction, foster a collaborative culture, and manage budgets, stock, and administration. A 45-hour contract and competitive salary (£40,000pa plus tronc) reflect the role's seniority.