Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 32070 - 34359 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
ESPO Trading Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop catering operations, creating innovative menus for events and managing kitchen staff.
  • Company: Leicestershire County Council, a supportive employer committed to inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Open to flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in a thriving hospitality environment while inspiring a dedicated team.
  • Qualifications: Intermediate/Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in budget management and staff supervision.

The predicted salary is between 32070 - 34359 £ per year.

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Beaumanor Hall, LE12 8TX & Tithe Barn, CV13 0AD

Salary: £32,070 - £34,359 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

Pay award pending

Working Hours: 18.5 Hours per week

Contract Type: Fixed term for 18 months

Closing Date: 25th Aug 2026

Interview Date(s): TBC

We are seeking to recruit an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead and develop our catering operations at Beaumanor Hall and Tithe Barn. This is a pivotal role within the service, responsible for driving high standards of food quality, customer satisfaction, team performance and commercial success.

About the Role

The successful candidate will bring creativity, leadership and a passion for exceptional food, developing innovative menus for weddings, events, hospitality functions and educational catering whilst ensuring the efficient day-to-day management of kitchen operations. Managing a team of chefs and kitchen staff, the Head Chef will play a key role in maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards, controlling costs, managing stock and suppliers, and delivering a first-class customer experience. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented culinary professional looking to make a significant impact within a thriving hospitality and events environment while developing and inspiring a dedicated team to achieve excellence.

About You

  • Intermediate/Advanced Level Food Hygiene Certificate
  • City and Guild 706 1 / 2 / 3 or NVQ 3 HNC or equivalent experience
  • Good working knowledge of Health and Safety Procedure
  • Good working knowledge of current food trends and special dietary requirements
  • Strong communication and staff motivation skills
  • Proven experience in Budget Management, Supervising Staff, Developing Staff rotas, Sourcing and purchasing supplies
  • Experience of working in commercial and similar environment
  • Capable of meeting targets under pressure
  • Providing high quality civic and event catering to planned menus

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Nathan Brown - Hospitality & Leisure Manager Telephone: 01509 890119 Email: nathan.brown@leics.gov.uk

Head Chef employer: ESPO Trading Limited

Leicestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and flexible working options. As an AMHP Team Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in a meaningful role that directly impacts mental health services, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a collaborative environment.

ESPO Trading Limited

Contact Details:

ESPO Trading Limited Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership
Creativity
Food Quality Management
Customer Satisfaction
Team Performance Management
Menu Development
Food Safety and Hygiene Standards