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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen team and create stunning dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Company: The Bell, a modern British pub in a charming 17th Century building.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, private medical insurance, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on our culinary offerings.
- Qualifications: Strong cooking skills, leadership experience, and a passion for food sustainability.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Daylesford Stays - a part of The Bamford Collection. We provide experiences that embrace luxury escapism: understated elegance, indulgence and nurture.
SALARY: £50,000 per annum + TRONC
HOURS: Full Time
ABOUT US
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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
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.
YOUR 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.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
- 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.
PERKS AND 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.
THE BAMFORD COLLECTION IS A GROUP OF CONSCIOUSLY MINDED LIFESTYLE BRANDS COMMITTED TO NOURISHING AND NURTURING PEOPLE AND PLANET.
Head Chef, The Bell in Chipping Norton employer: Bamford Collection
Contact Detail:
Bamford Collection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef, The Bell in Chipping Norton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the vibe at The Bell before your interview. Pop in for a meal or a drink, chat with the staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only give you insights into their culture but also show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your culinary skills! Bring along a few signature dishes or ideas that align with The Bell's focus on quality and seasonal ingredients. This is your chance to impress them with your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership style during the interview. Share examples of how you've motivated teams in high-pressure situations. They want to see that you can inspire and develop your kitchen crew while keeping morale high.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The Bell values these aspects, so share any relevant experiences or ideas you have that could contribute to their B Corp commitments. It’ll show you’re a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef, The Bell in Chipping Norton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create amazing dishes. We want to see that spark!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and created a positive kitchen environment. We value strong leaders!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don't just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Mention specific cuisines you've mastered, techniques you've honed, and any unique dishes you've created. This helps us understand your culinary style and expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bamford Collection
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the seasonal ingredients from Daylesford Farm. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your menu and why they matter for quality and sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your approach to motivating staff, resolving conflicts, and maintaining morale, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Planning Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with menu development, inventory control, and rota planning. Discuss how you ensure smooth operations while balancing business needs and staff availability.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and effectively. Good communication is key in a kitchen environment, so be prepared to explain how you would ensure coordination between the kitchen and front-of-house teams.
