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The Steamhouse HQ; Witney; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% staff discount

Wellbeing app

Leadership development

Ongoing training and development

Complimentary hot drinks

Job summary

The Steamhouse HQ in Witney is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in a premium casual brunch concept. You will drive food quality, menu development, and kitchen performance, while nurturing a high-performing team and delivering memorable guest experiences.

We offer career growth, leadership development, and a supportive culture with ongoing training, staff discounts, and wellbeing initiatives as part of a business that empowers its people to make decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Experience managing kitchen operations and food costs.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced brunch environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Deliver exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient service.
• Maintain the highest food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Manage stock, ordering, inventory and kitchen costs.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and ongoing training of kitchen team members.
• Collaborate closely with the Front of House and production teams.
• Drive continuous improvement, menu development and operational excellence.
• Take ownership of kitchen performance, KPIs and profitability.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Kitchen operations

Food costs management

Organisation

Communication

Food safety & hygiene

Brunch environment

Job description

Since 2016, The Steamhouse has built its reputation on bagels, espresso, and doughnuts. Today, we're elevating our offering with a premium casual brunch concept focused on high-quality ingredients, locally sourced produce, and products freshly baked in our own bakery.

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. If you're an inspiring leader who enjoys developing people, delivering exceptional food, and driving operational excellence, this could be the perfect opportunity to take the next step in your career.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you'll lead all aspects of the kitchen operation, ensuring consistently exceptional food quality, outstanding kitchen standards, and an engaged, high-performing team. Working closely with the General Manager, you'll drive operational performance, support business growth, and create an environment where people can thrive.

This Head Chef role is ideal for someone who leads from the front, takes ownership, and is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences.

Why Join Us?

Career Growth: Join a growing business with genuine development opportunities.

Leadership Opportunity: Build, coach and inspire your own kitchen team through this Head Chef role.

Supportive Culture: Work alongside passionate people who genuinely care.

Community Focus: Help create memorable experiences for every guest.

What You'll Get

• Work with amazing products that are fresh, high quality and locally sourced.
• Competitive salary with opportunities for progression.
• Access to our employee wellbeing app.
• Ongoing training and leadership development.
• 20% staff discount (plus friends & family when dining with you).
• Complimentary hot drinks during shifts.
• A business that empowers its people to make decisions and grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Deliver exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient service.
• Maintain the highest food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.
• Manage stock, ordering, inventory and kitchen costs.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and ongoing training of kitchen team members.
• Collaborate closely with the Front of House and production teams.
• Drive continuous improvement, menu development and operational excellence.
• Take ownership of kitchen performance, KPIs and profitability.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Experience managing kitchen operations and food costs.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast‑paced brunch environment.
• Passion for delivering exceptional food and building high-performing teams, making you the ideal candidate for this Head Chef role.

(Please note: This role requires flexibility over 7 days, including weekends.)

What Success Looks Like

A successful Head Chef at The Steamhouse leads with passion, develops a team people want to be part of, consistently delivers exceptional food, maintains outstanding operational standards, and plays a key role in driving the commercial success of the business. If you're ready to make a lasting impact, this Head Chef role is waiting for you.

Job Type: Full-time

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Ability to commute/relocate:

Witney, Oxfordshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Tell us about your experience as a leader in Kitchens.