Head Chef

Head Chef

Leeds Full-Time 28000 - 42000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, create exceptional menus, and inspire culinary excellence.
  • Company: Join BaxterStorey, a leader in contract catering with a passion for food and hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, free meals, and bespoke training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a culinary revolution and make your mark in a growing business culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, strong kitchen management skills, and a passion for food required.
  • Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging all to apply regardless of experience.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 Β£ per year.

Company Description
HEAD CHEF OPPORTUNITY – CONTRACT CATERING
We have fantastic opportunity to join our well established team in Leeds
40 Hours per week up to Β£35,000 per annum
Predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekends and the occasional evening shift (19:30 to 03:30) to support and coach the night shift
This rare opportunity to join us within a growing B&I contract . We require a seasoned head chef with B&I experience in-depth training and induction plan provided
This is a fantastic opportunity for an inspirational and enthusiastic Head Chef to make a name for themselves within the food service industry.
In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary
Benefits
Salary – Β£35,000 per annum
28 Days holiday including bank holidays
Plus your birthday off
3 volunteering days
3 days grandparent leave.
24 weeks\’ enhanced maternity leave
Secondary carer leave
Wedding/commitment day leave.
Free meals on shift.
Bespoke training and development opportunities
Apprenticeships opportunities for all experience levels
Pension and life insurance.
Discounts available from Perkbox app, from high street shops to holidays & cinema.
Wellbeing hub.
Access to employee assistance programme.
Cycle to work scheme.
Calling all culinary connoisseurs that are OBSESSED about food, we need you If you have an insatiable appetite for the culinary arts and a burning desire to create food that delights customers and clients, then look no further. At BaxterStorey we offer an exceptional culinary playground where your creativity can flourish, your talents can shine and we wholeheartedly believe in nourishing talent and empowering our chefs to continuously evolve, refine their craft and create a development partnership together to ensure professional growth opportunities.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled Head Chef to make a name for themselves within the food service industry and be a part of setting the new standard for workplace hospitality.
Job Description
We are seeking a visionary and innovative Head Chef to join our culinary team in Leeds, United Kingdom. As the Head Chef, you will lead our kitchen operations, inspire creativity, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and customer satisfaction.
Lead, inspire, and manage a team of chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
Develop and implement innovative menu concepts, considering seasonal ingredients and culinary trends
Oversee all aspects of food preparation, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, sanitation standards, and food quality controls
Train and mentor kitchen staff, enhancing their skills and promoting professional growth
Collaborate with management to establish pricing, portion sizes, and cost-effective menu strategies
Manage inventory levels, ordering, and stock rotation to minimize waste and maintain optimal ingredient freshness
Conduct regular menu tastings and refine dishes based on customer feedback and market trends
Ensure consistent food quality, taste, and presentation by monitoring all dishes before service
Implement and maintain proper HACCP food handling and safety practices
Coordinate with front-of-house staff to ensure efficient service and timely delivery of meals
Participate in management meetings to discuss menu updates, specials, and customer feedback
Stay updated on the latest culinary techniques and industry trends to continually improve kitchen operations
Qualifications
Culinary degree or equivalent experience in a high-level culinary position
Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a similar leadership role in a professional kitchen
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent organizational and planning abilities
Creative approach to menu development and food presentation
In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP standards
Proficiency in kitchen management software and inventory control systems
Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to remain calm and tactful in high-pressure situations
Flexible and adaptable to change in a fast-paced environment
Cultural awareness and sensitivity in a diverse work setting
Demonstrated sound work ethics and professional integrity
Team player mentality with a customer-focused approach
Passion for culinary excellence and continuous learning
Additional Information
For almost 20 years, for every client, in every location (whether that\’s an office, stadium, cathedral or university), we have created beautiful spaces, exciting menus and friendly teams, so that each and every customer can have the hospitality experience they deserve.
We need the brightest and the best to join us to make this all possible. We will support you to create your hospitality legacy and build a career that you are proud of.
Our drive and belief in our people, means that we always strive to supercharge our team\’s careers. \’Better\’ is a daily habit that sits deep within our DNA, meaning learning will be front and centre of your experience working with us.
Join us, and be part of the food revolution
BaxterStorey Values
ALWAYS VISIONARY
We strive for better, we never settle, never compromise, never follow. We lead the way, blazing our own trail.
Wholeheartedly Positive
We are up-beat, motivating and inspiring. Our love for what we do radiates through our food, and is
amplified by our people.
CREATIVELY COLLABORATIVE
We embrace our differences to push creativity and we work together to be better.
FOREVER CONSCIOUS
We work together as a team to lead by example, protecting the planet and supporting local
communities.
Interested? Even if you don\’t meet all requirements, we like to hear from you. If you are motivated and hungry to learn, we can work together to develop your potential.
BaxterStorey is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce.
The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each team member to feel respected and able to give their best.
And to support our commitment to this we have set ourselves an ED&I (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) ambition to \’set the standard and to be recognised for having the most inclusive culture in hospitality\’.

Head Chef employer: BaxterStorey

BaxterStorey is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture in Leeds, offering a competitive salary of up to Β£35,000 and a wealth of benefits including 28 days holiday, bespoke training opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth. With a focus on creativity and collaboration, we empower our Head Chefs to lead their teams and innovate within a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for culinary professionals eager to make their mark in the food service industry.
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Contact Detail:

BaxterStorey Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network with other chefs and industry professionals in Leeds. Attend local culinary events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in contract catering.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight any experience you have in training and developing staff, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of B&I (Business and Industry) catering. Research the types of menus and services that are popular in this sector to demonstrate your understanding during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to budgeting and financial management in the kitchen. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully met financial targets in previous roles, as this will be key to impressing the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership Skills
Kitchen Management
Menu Development
Financial Management
Team Training and Development
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Delegation Skills
Customer Service Orientation
Creativity in Culinary Arts
Analytical Skills
Multi-Site Operations Experience
Time Management
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in contract catering and kitchen management. Emphasise any previous roles as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, showcasing your ability to lead a team and manage budgets.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific achievements in your career that demonstrate your ability to inspire a team and deliver exceptional culinary experiences.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully managed and trained kitchen staff. Highlight your experience in holding team meetings and developing menus that meet client expectations.

Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen: Include details about your experience with financial management and report writing. Show how you have previously achieved financial targets and maintained food costs within budget.

How to prepare for a job interview at BaxterStorey

✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion

During the interview, make sure to express your genuine love for food and cooking. Share specific examples of dishes you’ve created or culinary experiences that have shaped your career. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

✨Highlight Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and inspired your team in previous roles. Mention any training or mentoring you've provided to staff.

✨Discuss Financial Acumen

Since the role involves managing budgets and achieving financial targets, be ready to talk about your experience with financial management in the kitchen. Discuss how you've previously maintained food costs and met budgetary goals.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle kitchen challenges. Think of examples where you've had to adapt menus, manage staff conflicts, or respond to customer feedback effectively.

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