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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and hygiene standards.
- Company: The Old Cock Inn is a charming pub and restaurant in Harpenden with boutique accommodation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, discounts, and a fun work culture.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team in a vibrant environment, perfect for culinary creativity and leadership.
- Qualifications: Must be an experienced Head Chef with a flair for fresh food and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: We offer career development opportunities and a great work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
The Old Cock Inn is a delightful pub & restaurant in the heart of Harpenden, offering guests the added benefit of six boutique bedrooms. We have a stylish and cosy restaurant, a relaxed and informal bar area with a roaring log fire for the colder months, and our lovely terrace garden at the back. We’re what you might call a ‘proper pub’ serving a selection of real ales and craft beers, alongside an extensive wine, gin and spirit list.
Your role as Head Chef:
- Responsible for all food production ensuring that food is prepared to an exemplary standard.
- Overall accountability for hygiene and health and safety within the kitchen.
- Ensuring all team members are fully trained and aware of how food is stored, rotated and disposed of and monitoring their adherence.
- To ensure that food and labour costs are effectively managed in order to achieve a strong food margin and labour within budget.
- Responsible for the recruitment, training, coaching and development of the kitchen team to ensure the delivery of excellent food quality and guest satisfaction.
- To train and coach the front of house team to ensure that they have a good knowledge of all menu items so that our guest service is of the highest standards.
- Ensure that company policies and procedures are followed by checking Food Safety and Health & Safety daily and Business Due Diligence on a weekly basis.
- Complete daily and weekly stock checks and ensure that all invoices are processed daily and accounted for.
- Input into menu development as required.
What we are looking for:
- Currently a Head Chef with a background in a premium environment and passion for fresh food.
- The ability to deliver to excellent standards in a fast paced and pressurised environment.
- Leadership qualities including motivating your team through holding regular and engaging team meetings and briefs.
- A role model and a vision to inspire the kitchen team.
- Ability to deal with poor performers in a fair and constructive way.
We will provide you with a great package including:
- Salary to £45,000.
- 28 days holiday.
- Company Pension scheme.
- Retail and beer discounts.
- Refer a friend Bonus.
- Meals on duty.
- Cycle to work.
- Employee Assistance programme.
- Benefits portal.
- Career development programme.
- Fun culture and great work life balance.
- Chef Whites.
Head Chef - The Old Cock Inn - Harpenden, Hertfordshire employer: leisurejobs
Contact Detail:
leisurejobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - The Old Cock Inn - Harpenden, Hertfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and industry professionals in your area. Attend local culinary events or join online forums to connect with people who might have insights or recommendations about the Head Chef position at The Old Cock Inn.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you used to motivate your team and improve performance during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the menu offerings and style of cuisine at The Old Cock Inn. This will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the establishment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to food safety and hygiene practices. Given the emphasis on these areas in the job description, being able to articulate your experience and commitment to maintaining high standards will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Old Cock Inn - Harpenden, Hertfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Head Chef, particularly in premium environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any relevant achievements in food quality and team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fresh food and your ability to thrive in fast-paced settings. Mention specific examples of how you've motivated teams and improved kitchen operations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your previous roles that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Discuss your experience with food safety, hygiene standards, and cost management.
Showcase Your Vision: Convey your vision for the kitchen team in your application. Explain how you plan to inspire and develop your team, and how you would contribute to menu development at The Old Cock Inn.
How to prepare for a job interview at leisurejobs
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your love for fresh food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or menus you've developed that highlight your creativity and passion for quality ingredients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated your team in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Discuss Food Safety Knowledge
Since hygiene and health safety are crucial in a kitchen environment, be ready to talk about your experience with food safety regulations. Highlight any systems you've implemented to ensure compliance and how you train your team on these standards.
✨Prepare for Menu Development Questions
Expect questions about menu development and how you approach creating new dishes. Think about your process for sourcing ingredients, considering seasonal changes, and how you incorporate guest feedback into your menu planning.
