Head Chef, The Bell - Chipping Norton in Charlbury

We are looking for a new Head Chef at The Bell to come and lead our kitchen team and enhance our offering to our valued customers. The Head Chef is responsible for leading and inspiring the kitchen team, creating a positive and high performing environment while ensuring smooth day to day operations. They consistently deliver dishes that meet company standards for taste, presentation, and portion control, supported by effective ordering of produce and supplies, accurate stocktaking, and efficient rota planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team by managing, supporting, and developing staff to create a positive, efficient, and high performing working environment.
• Maintain consistent food quality by ensuring every dish meets company standards for taste, presentation, and portion control.
• Oversee ordering by sourcing fresh produce and supplies, managing supplier relationships, and placing timely, cost effective orders based on kitchen needs.
• Manage stock through regular and accurate stocktakes, proper rotation, waste reduction, and identification of any discrepancies.
• Create and manage rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels that balance business needs with staff availability and working hour regulations.
• Advance our purpose and sustainability goals by driving social and environmental improvements and contributing to our B Corp commitments.
• Inspire conscious practices among customers, suppliers, and partners to help create a positive and lasting impact.

Qualifications

• Solid Cooking Foundations: Strong technical skills across cuisines and techniques, ensuring consistent quality, food safety, and professional kitchen standards.
• Leadership: Ability to lead and motivate the team, handle high pressure situations, resolve conflicts, and maintain morale and productivity.
• Planning & Organisation: Skilled in scheduling, prep planning, menu development, and inventory control to keep the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently.
• Team Development: Committed to training, mentoring, and developing staff, supporting their growth while strengthening overall team performance.
• Computer Literacy: Proficient with digital tools used for ordering, stock control, costing, scheduling, and communication with suppliers and management.
• Communication: Clear and effective communicator who ensures smooth coordination within the kitchen and strong collaboration with front of house teams.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains high standards in taste, presentation, and safety, delivering consistently excellent dishes and dining experiences.

About The Bell

The Bell in Charlbury is a laidback yet sophisticated modern British pub settled in a 17th Century Cotswolds building. Known as a hidden gem, it offers a warm, family‑friendly space that opens into a dining experience focused on quality. With 13 beautifully appointed rooms and visually stunning food with vibrant organic seasonal ingredients from Daylesford Farm, The Bell combines comforting dishes with culinary flair. Deeply rooted in the community, it regularly hosts events and workshops in collaboration with local organisations. Under the guidance of Nathan Walker‑Unwin: an integral figure in the opening of two acclaimed Daylesford pubs, The Bell fosters a culture where every team member is valued and every guest is welcomed like family.

Benefits

• Discounts: Enjoy a range of discounts on our products, treatments, and dining experiences from day one.
• Volunteering Days: One paid day per year to volunteer with a charity of your choice.
• Private Medical: Subsidised private medical insurance through Bupa.
• Pension Scheme: Pay up to 9 percent of your salary into your pension each month with a 4.5 percent contribution from us.
• Life Assurance: Cover equivalent to one year of your annual salary.
• Mental Health Support: 24 hour access to our Employee Assistance Programme.