Overview
We are a family-run UK business operating food and beverage outlets at airports, delivering exceptional experiences for all our customers. We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Senior Head Chef to join our team. The site has a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, and our people are at the heart of our success.
As Senior Head Chef, you will be an essential part of the senior management team, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance of multi-site kitchens. You’ll manage all aspects of stock control and food preparation, including hygiene, health and safety, and allergen protocols, while working collaboratively with the wider restaurant teams to deliver consistently exceptional dishes.
The Role
You will oversee the operation of multiple kitchens, ensuring that food quality and safety standards are met, while achieving revenue and profit targets. You’ll develop the skills of your kitchen staff to deliver excellent quality food and ensure a smooth service for all guests.
Main Duties:
Overall management and control of multi-site kitchens.
Ensure department revenue and profit targets are met.
Maintain and enforce company policies relating to health and safety, food hygiene, and food allergens.
Develop kitchen staff skills to deliver high-quality food in a timely manner.
Ensure confidentiality and act in accordance with data protection requirements when handling personal data.
Requirements
We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic individual with flexibility across shift patterns and a passion for delivering a first-class dining experience through effective team performance.
Preferred Criteria:
Qualifications:
Food hygiene certificate – level 2 or higher (desirable but not essential).
Relevant Experience:
Significant management experience in a multi-site kitchen environment, including staff training and development.
Experience managing a team in a fast-paced, busy environment.
Demonstrable experience of delivering excellent food preparation services.
Proven experience in delivering agreed menus to brand standards.
Experience in procuring stock through specified suppliers as needed.
Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Familiarity with airport-based hospitality (desirable).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong communication skills, with a clear and supportive leadership style.
Financial awareness, with the ability to manage budgets and effectively purchase and manage stock.
Leadership skills, capable of motivating a team in a busy kitchen environment.
Performance management skills, with the ability to maximise individual potential through coaching.
In-depth knowledge of health and safety requirements in a kitchen, including HACCP, COSHH, food allergens, equipment maintenance, and safety practices.
Personal Qualities:
Resilient and able to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Results-oriented and motivated by achieving challenging objectives.
A committed brand ambassador, driven by service excellence.
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Curious, passionate and resilient
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Responsible, hard-working and keen to help others
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Willing to show up, be positive and have FUN!
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary.
Tronc (tips and gratuities distribution system) via an elected troncmaster.
NEST pension.
Free meals while on duty at the site, from the 'Staff Duty Meal' options.
Health & wellbeing cash plan, also offering discounts and perks across hundreds of retailers
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and well-being support from day one.
28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 32 days.
Staff referral bonus scheme.
Participation in the ARE staff healthcare scheme.
Please note:
All successful candidates will be required to:
Provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
Hold an Airport Security ID Pass, which we will assist with. The application process requires the production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references.
