Training & Development Chef

British Garden Centres; Luton, Northampton, Watford; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

British Garden Centres seeks a Training & Development Chef to support approximately 40 restaurant locations nationwide. This hands-on role focuses on developing teams, maintaining food quality, and driving operational excellence through effective training and coaching.

The successful candidate will travel across sites, work with Restaurant Managers and Kitchen Teams, and ensure consistency, compliance and high standards while supporting new openings and business growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen role (Head Chef / Area Chef / Development Chef).
• Passion for training, coaching and developing people.
• Strong knowledge of commercial kitchen operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Full UK driving licence; willing to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver practical kitchen training and coaching across all restaurant locations.
• Support onboarding and development of new chefs and kitchen team members.
• Identify skills gaps and provide tailored training programmes.
• Develop and maintain training materials, guides and SOPs.
• Conduct training audits and follow-up visits to embed learning.
• Support implementation of menus, recipes and food standards.
• Assist sites in achieving operational excellence through coaching.
• Ensure consistency in food quality and portion control across locations.
• Provide hands-on support during peak periods and travel as required.
• Collaborate with site management to improve kitchen performance and efficiency.
• Support new openings and refurbishments, including recruitment and training.
• Ensure teams are trained on recipes, systems, food safety and company standards.

Skills

Training & Development

People coaching

Kitchen operations

Driving licence

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Location

Field Based / National Travel Required
Reports to: Head of Operations Manager
Salary: Competitive, DOE
Hours: Full Time, Flexibility Required

Role Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Training & Development Chef to support approximately 40 restaurant locations across our growing business. This is a hands‑on role focused on developing teams, maintaining food quality standards, supporting new site openings, and driving operational excellence through effective training and coaching.

The successful candidate will be passionate about food, people development and delivering exceptional guest experiences. They will work closely with Restaurant Managers, Head Chefs and Kitchen Teams to ensure consistency, compliance and high standards across all sites.

Due to the nature of the role, travel is required and applicants must have their own transport and be willing to stay away from home when necessary. Luton, Northampton, Watford.

Key Responsibilities

Training & Development

• Deliver practical kitchen training and coaching across all restaurant locations.
• Support the onboarding and development of new chefs and kitchen team members.
• Identify skills gaps and provide tailored training programmes.
• Develop and maintain training materials, guides and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct regular training audits and follow‑up visits to ensure learning is embedded.

Operational Support

• Support restaurant teams with the implementation of menus, recipes and food standards.
• Assist sites in achieving operational excellence through best practice coaching.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation and portion control across all locations.
• Provide hands‑on support during peak trading periods when required.
• Work closely with site management teams to improve kitchen performance and efficiency.

New Openings & Business Growth

• Support new restaurant openings and refurbishments.
• Assist with recruitment, induction and training of new kitchen teams.
• Ensure new teams are fully trained on recipes, systems, food safety and company standards before opening.
• Provide intensive post‑opening support to ensure successful launches.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong food safety culture across all sites.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Conduct kitchen audits and support corrective action plans where required.
• Provide guidance and training on:
• Support sites in maintaining excellent Environmental Health standards.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Area Chef, Development Chef or similar senior kitchen role.
• Passion for training, coaching and developing people.
• Strong knowledge of commercial kitchen operations.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (minimum).
• Excellent understanding of HACCP principles and food safety legislation.
• Strong knowledge of COSHH and Health & Safety requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Own vehicle and willingness to travel extensively across the business.

Applications close -Thursday 15th October 2026

Due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact you if your application is successful.