The Boxford Head Chef

WSH Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant in Newbury is seeking a Head Chef to lead a high-performing kitchen team and ensure operational excellence. The role involves menu development focused on modern Italian flavors, managing food budgets, and creating a nurturing team culture. Candidates should possess proven experience in similar roles, excellent culinary skills, and a passion for food and customer service. This full-time position offers opportunities for progression and ongoing development.

Benefits

Complimentary meals during shifts

28 days holiday, increasing with length of service

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme & wellbeing hub

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef, or Head Chef.
• Proficiency in diverse cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Ability to display a real passion for food and customer service.
• Flair and innovative with menus and food presentation.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-performing kitchen team.
• Oversee menu development bringing modern Italian flavors to life.
• Manage food budgets and kitchen profitability.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety protocols.
• Create a culture of excellence and mutual respect in the team.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Leadership Experience

Food Handling

Kitchen Management Experience

Cost Control

Sanitation

Education

NVQ qualification or equivalent

Leaving Cert level education or above

Job description

Overview

The Boxford is a vibrant ambitious Mediterranean restaurant where seasonal creativity precision and excellence are at the hearts of our culinary identity. As Head Chef you will lead and inspire a high-performing kitchen team to deliver exceptional food memorable experiences and operational excellence.

This role requires strong leadership technical expertise an obsession with detail and the ability to maintain calm focus and professionalism within a dynamic kitchen environment.

You will shape the culinary direction of The Boxford - driving innovation developing menus that celebrate flavour and ensuring consistent delivery of outstanding dishes. You will also cultivate a warm respectful and collaborative team culture that supports growth learning and long-term development.

Salary Package

40000 - 55000 (dependent on experience)

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• 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

Kitchen Operations & Standards

• 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

Menu Development & Culinary Creativity

• 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

Stock Budget & Profitability

• 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

Administration & Compliance

• 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

Why Join The Boxford

• A nurturing collaborative environment where talent is recognised supported and developed
• Genuine opportunities for progression into Senior leadership roles
• Ongoing training and development to support personal and professional growth
• A culture that celebrates initiative curiosity creativity and attention to detail

Hours per week : 45

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

Additional Information

• Complimentary meals during shifts
• 28 days holiday increasing with length of service
• Life Assurance
• Recommend-a-friend scheme with significant referral bonuses
• Access to Perkbox offering discounts across gyms travel shopping gadgets and more
• Reward programmes long service awards staff recognition and performance incentives
• Workplace pension scheme
• Opportunity to develop and further your career within a fast growing an exciting company
• Employee Assistance Programme & wellbeing hub
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Employment Type

Full-time

Key Skills

Culinary Experience,Food Handling,Restaurant Experience,Kitchen Management Experience,Food Preparation Experience,Kitchen Experience,Food Industry,Cooking,Cost Control,Baking,Sanitation,Leadership Experience