Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, plan menus, and ensure high food hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Howdens Garden Centre, known for quality local produce and a vibrant restaurant atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, no evening shifts, generous discounts, and 6 weeks annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating mouth-watering dishes in a family-friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with weekends included; closed on major holidays for family time.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Full Time Permanent Head Chef to join the team in our Restaurant in Howdens Garden Centre. Competitive Salary based on experience. The hours for this role are 45 hours over 5 days. All positions include weekend working so flexibility is a must. However, we have the added benefit of no evening work and no split shifts. Our Centre is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day which means time with the family on these important days.
Our restaurant boasts an impressive menu serving the highest quality, mouth-watering dishes using the best local produce along with sweet treats and home baking from our on-site bakery. We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly experienced Chef who will relish the prospect of working in this fantastic facility.
The Role
As the Head Chef, you will lead the team in all areas of food production. A true foodie, you will bring your personality to the kitchen inspiring and motivating your team with passion to produce freshly cooked, fabulous food. Along with the Restaurant Manager, you will be responsible for the overall restaurant operation to drive sales, maintain operating standards, develop the restaurant team, and deliver a fantastic experience for our customers.
What you will be doing as a Head Chef?
- Lead the daily operation of the kitchen, you will be 'hands on'.
- Plan menus and daily specials within company framework.
- Plan and manage the chef and kitchen team in the preparation of all meals.
- Monitor stock levels and manage stock orders and carry out weekly stock count to ensure GP targets are achieved.
- Manage the cleaning of equipment and working areas to the highest food hygiene standards.
- Plan rotas and holidays to meet service level requirements.
- Work closely with the Restaurant Manager to achieve the highest standards, service and sales.
What makes you our perfect Head Chef?
- Successful and experienced Head Chef with the ability to manage a large team and significant peaks in service.
- Friendly, with an engaging personality and a genuine love for customer service.
- Strong communicator who can motivate and develop their team to deliver with enthusiasm and great personality.
- Knowledgeable in Food Hygiene and Health and Safety requirements.
- Commercially aware to achieve sales and profit targets.
- Passion for delivering the highest quality food and service.
The benefits!
- Competitive rates of pay.
- Healthy work/life balance with no evening work.
- Access to 100s of retail and lifestyle experiences and discounts.
- Health Cash Plans.
- Generous staff discounts.
- 6 weeks Annual Leave per year.
- Free Parking.
Sound Interesting? If you think you've got what it takes and would like to join our team as a Head Chef, please click 'Apply' now.
Contact Detail:
William Strike Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef, Howdens Garden Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens Garden Centre's menu and culinary style. Understanding their focus on local produce and home baking will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety regulations. Being able to discuss how you maintain high standards in these areas will reassure the hiring team of your professionalism and commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to menu planning and how you can innovate within their framework. Sharing ideas for seasonal specials or unique dishes can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and creative.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef, Howdens Garden Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Head Chef, focusing on your leadership skills, menu planning, and ability to manage a kitchen team. Use specific examples of your achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention how your personality and experience align with the restaurant's values and how you can contribute to creating a fantastic dining experience.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety standards, and your ability to drive sales and profit targets. These are crucial for the Head Chef role at Howdens Garden Centre.
Show Enthusiasm: Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through in your application. Express your excitement about working in a vibrant kitchen environment and your commitment to delivering high-quality food and service.
How to prepare for a job interview at William Strike
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Head Chef, your love for food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and how you source local produce. This will demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a large team, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles, and how you handle peak service times.
✨Discuss Menu Planning Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience with menu planning and daily specials. Discuss how you balance creativity with cost management, and how you ensure high standards of food hygiene and safety.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Demonstrate your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the restaurant's operations, team dynamics, and expectations. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also in contributing to the restaurant's success.
