Lead Chef & Kitchen Innovator

BaxterStorey; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 Days holiday including bank holiday

Birthday off

Volunteer days

Maternity leave extension

Free meals on shift

Pension and life insurance

Perkbox discounts

Wellbeing hub

Cycle to work

Job summary

BaxterStorey is seeking a culinary leader in Stevenage to drive menus, oversee kitchen operations, and mentor staff. The role emphasizes high-quality presentation, cost awareness, and rigorous adherence to safety standards within our hospitality framework.

You will collaborate across departments to deliver exceptional dining experiences, develop talent, and uphold BaxterStorey values while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience commensurate with role.
• Excellent creative culinary skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal relations skills
• Proficiency in food cost management
• Knowledge of food safety and health and safety regulations
• Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced environment
• Works according to the BaxterStorey core values

Responsibilities

• Menu Planning and Execution – create and plan menus in accordance with the style and customer preferences of the location.
• Oversee food preparation and presentation to ensure high-quality dishes, monitoring wastage and portion control
• Employee Management – recruit, train, and supervise all colleagues, including chefs, cooks and front of house. Provide continual guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to kitchen team.
• Inventory and Cost Control – monitor and manage stock levels, sensible approach to ordering supplies
• Customer Relations - Interact with customers to understand their specific catering needs and preferences and maintain an open channel of communication to address any concerns or requirements.
• Health and Safety Compliance – support the head chef to ensure adherence to health and safety regulations and food safety protocols/policies.
• Budget and Financial Management – develop and manage kitchen budgets, report on financial performance and implement any cost savings required without impacting delivery of excellence
• Menu Development and Innovation – stay updated on culinary trends and incorporate new ideas into menus
• Compliance and Documentation - maintain accurate records of inventory, orders, and food preparation processes and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Skills

Creative culinary skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Food cost management

Food safety knowledge

Adaptability

Company values adherence

Job description

BaxterStorey is seeking a culinary leader in Stevenage to drive menus, oversee kitchen operations, and mentor staff. The role emphasizes high-quality presentation, cost awareness, and rigorous adherence to safety standards within our hospitality framework.

You will collaborate across departments to deliver exceptional dining experiences, develop talent, and uphold BaxterStorey values while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.