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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, create exciting menus, and ensure top-notch food quality.
- Company: Join a fast-growing family business with over 70 centres across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, no late nights, and generous discounts at restaurants and stores.
- Why this job: Bring your culinary creativity to life in a supportive and thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens, creativity in dish creation, and knowledge of food safety.
- Other info: Perfect for passionate chefs looking for career growth and a fun work family.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Full Time –40 Hours Per Week -Including Weekends.
Flexible
British Garden Centres are looking for a Head Chef to bring your ideas and talents to our fast-growing company of over 70 Centres and growing.
Managing and working closely with other Chefs of all levels. Creating menu items, recipes and developing dishes ensuring variety and quality. Determining food inventory needs, stocking and ordering. Ultimately responsible for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations including sanitary and food safety guidelines.
If you are looking for a role where you are given the opportunity to take pride in your work, where you can create your own ideas for specials and home baking.
We would love to hear from you. Salary negotiable on experience.
What we offer:
No evening work, split shifts or unsociable hours, year-round business.
Security of working in a well-established expanding family business & the associated benefits
Rate of pay negotiable, dependent upon skills and experience.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day & Easter Sunday
50% meal discount at any BGC restaurant & 20% discount at any BGC store, additionally discount rates available for Woodthorpe Leisure Park.
Skills needed:
- Experience of working in a busy kitchen.
- Creative at making dishes but also able to work to specs.
- Experience of cooking carvery is an advantage.
- Knowledge of HACCP.
- Able to manage multiple orders.
- Professionalism and reliability.
- Remain calm under pressure.
- Good time management.
- Level 2 basic food hygiene is an advantage.
Duties include:
- Controlling and directing the food preparation process.
- Approving and polishing dishes before they reach the customer.
- Managing and working closely with other Chefs of all levels.
- Determining food inventory needs, stocking, and ordering.
- Ultimately responsible for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations including. sanitary and food safety guidelines.
- Being responsible for health and safety.
- Being responsible for food hygiene practices.
- Team management.
- High level attention to detail.
- Experience of kitchen equipment.
- Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety.
If you have passion, can work equally well as part of a team or independently, are up for a challenge and thrive in a fast-paced work environment, then we would love you to become part of our work family.
To apply:
Please send your CV to:
Phil Rushton Regional Restaurant Manager
prushton@britishgardencentres.com
Applications close – Monday 3rd November 2025
Due to the high volume of applications, if your application is successful, someone from the management team will be in touch with you, thank you.
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Head Chef employer: British Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
British Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs and industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demo to showcase your creativity and flair. This not only builds your portfolio but also gets your name out there.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay active on social media! Share your kitchen adventures, recipes, and food pics. Engaging with the food community online can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate chefs like you eager to join our family!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Creativity: When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight your creative flair in the kitchen. We want to see how you've developed unique dishes or menus in your previous roles. Don't be shy – let your passion for food shine through!
Tailor Your CV to Us: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your experience with what we're looking for. Mention any relevant skills, like your knowledge of HACCP or experience in a busy kitchen. This helps us see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional CV, adding a personal touch can make you stand out. Share a bit about your cooking philosophy or what drives your passion for the culinary arts. We’re looking for someone who fits into our family vibe!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Garden Centres
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and ingredients that British Garden Centres typically use. Be ready to discuss your ideas for new menu items and how you can bring creativity to their offerings.
✨Showcase Your Kitchen Experience
Highlight your experience in busy kitchens, especially any roles where you managed multiple orders or worked under pressure. Share specific examples of how you maintained quality and efficiency, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Since food safety is crucial, be prepared to discuss your understanding of HACCP and any relevant certifications you hold. This shows that you take kitchen regulations seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, such as managing a busy service or dealing with inventory issues. Think through your responses ahead of time so you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and calmness under pressure.
