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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious meals and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a well-established family business with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, no late shifts, and generous discounts at restaurants and stores.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant kitchen while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role and a passion for cooking are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Head Chef with flair and enthusiasm to join our existing Catering Team in providing good quality and tasty meals to our guests. You will be ensuring fresh and nutritious meals are served by maintaining the highest standards.
Responsibilities:
- Management responsibility for the efficient operation of the kitchen.
- Assist in creating menus, food ordering and stock control.
- Ensure that all kitchen policies and procedures are up to date and staff are compliant with them.
- Train, motivate and inspire the kitchen team to deliver a first‑class culinary service.
Qualifications:
- Experience in a similar role essential.
- Knowledge of HACCP and Level 3 basic food hygiene advantageous.
- Ability to coach and develop a team.
- Stock and waste management experience.
- Professionalism, reliability and ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Good time management and ability to manage multiple orders.
- Experience working in a busy kitchen and, optionally, cooking carvery.
Benefits:
- No evening work, split shifts or unsociable hours, year‑round business.
- Security of working in a well‑established expanding family business and 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 and 20% discount at any BGC store; additional discount rates available for Woodthorpe Leisure Park.
Duties Include:
- Management duties.
- Coaching team.
- Pushing sales.
- Taking deliveries.
- Food preparation.
- Producing specials.
- Preparing, cooking and presenting food quickly and efficiently to a high standard.
- Monitoring portion size and waste.
How to Apply: Please send your CV to: Joanne Wilson, Restaurant Manager, jwilson@britishgardencentres.com. Applications close Thursday 27th November 2025.
Job Details:
- Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Management and Manufacturing
- Industries: Retail
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 flair. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Horncastle Garden Centre, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking and leading a kitchen shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating delicious meals and inspiring your team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in kitchen management and menu creation. We love seeing specific examples of how you've maintained high standards and trained your team, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Garden Centres
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about potential menu ideas you could bring to the table. This shows your creativity and passion for food, which is essential for a Head Chef role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've motivated and trained staff in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to inspire others and maintain high standards.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and food hygiene practices. Being able to talk confidently about stock control and waste management will highlight your operational expertise and commitment to quality.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Expect questions about how you handle busy kitchen environments. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage multiple orders while maintaining composure and delivering excellent service.
