Head Chef - The Old Cock Inn - Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Wells & Co; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium pub and restaurant in Harpenden seeks a Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations with a focus on food quality and guest satisfaction. This role includes managing hygiene standards, training staff, and ensuring profitability through effective cost management. Ideal candidates will have experience in a premium environment and a passion for fresh food, along with strong leadership skills. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £45,000 and various employee benefits, including holiday, pension, and discounts.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Company Pension scheme

Retail and beer discounts

Refer a friend Bonus

50% off meals on duty

Cycle to work

Employee Assistance programme

Benefits portal

Career development programme

Fun culture and great work life balance

Chef Whites

Qualifications

• Currently a Head Chef with a background in a premium environment.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure setting.
• Capable of inspiring and motivating the kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for food production standards and overall kitchen hygiene.
• Train and coach kitchen and front of house teams.
• Manage food and labor costs effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety standards

Team training and development

Hygiene management

Cost management

Job description

Head Chef - The Old Cock Inn - Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Company Description

The Old Cock Inn is a delightful pub & restaurant in the heart of Harpenden, offering guests the added benefit of six boutique bedrooms.

We have a stylish and cosy restaurant, a relaxed and informal bar area with a roaring log fire for the colder months, and our lovely terrace garden at the back.

We’re what you might call a ‘proper pub’ serving a selection of real ales and craft beers, alongside an extensive wine, gin and spirit list.

Position

• Your role as Head Chef :
• Responsible for all food production ensuring that food is prepared to an exemplary standard
• Overall accountability for hygiene and health and safety within the kitchen
• Ensuring all team members are fully trained and aware of how food is stored, rotated and disposed of and monitoring their adherence
• To ensure that food and labour costs are effectively managed in order to achieve a strong food margin and labour within budget
• Responsible for the recruitment, training, coaching and development of the kitchen team to ensure the delivery of excellent food quality and guest satisfaction
• To train and coach the front of house team to ensure that they have a good knowledge of all menu items so that our guest service is of the highest standards
• Ensure that company policies and procedures are followed by checking Food Safety and Health & Safety daily and Business Due Diligence on a weekly basis
• Complete daily and weekly stock checks and ensure that all invoices are processed daily and accounted for
• Input into menu development as required

Requirements

• Currently a Head Chef with a background in a premium environment and passion for fresh food
• The ability to deliver to excellent standards in a fast paced and pressurised environment
• Leadership qualities including motivating your team through holding regular and engaging team meetings and briefs
• A role model and a vision to inspire the kitchen team
• Ability to deal with poor performers in a fair and constructive way

Other information

• Salary to £45,000
• 28 days holiday
• Company Pension scheme
• Retail and beer discounts
• Refer a friend Bonus
• 50% off meals on duty
• Cycle to work
• Employee Assistance programme
• Benefits portal
• Career development programme
• Fun culture and great work life balance
• Chef Whites