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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create stunning seasonal dishes.
- Company: Gees, a vibrant restaurant bar in North Oxford with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meals on duty, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make your mark in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Proven culinary and kitchen management experience required.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities within a supportive company culture.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 70000 £ per year.
Situated in North Oxford, Gees is a bustling independently owned restaurant bar & terrace set within a landmark Victorian conservatory on Oxford's Banbury Road. For over 40 years, Gees has remained loyal to its traditions of providing quality food and service in the most beautiful restaurant in the city. Open every day of the year for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Gees kitchen produces a seasonal menu of cross-town-for dishes using the best ingredients, simply prepared and expertly cooked.
Following an ambitious expansion and refurbishment in 2022, Gees more than doubled in capacity with the addition of Gees Gallery, an adjacent private dining space for up to 50 guests, and Secret Garden, a covered and heated private terrace for up to 60 diners. A brand-new top-of-the-range kitchen now caters for over 200 guests throughout its dining spaces. This is an unmissable opportunity for an ambitious, competent, and energetic Head Chef to successfully lead this high-volume, fast-paced all-day operation.
Key Attributes & Expectations
- A natural leader who will lead by example and encourage a culture of respect and teamwork.
- Influence, enthuse, and develop a team of 15 chefs to achieve consistency and excellence.
- Proven competence in ordering stock, food cost control, rota management, and managing payroll costs.
- Hold and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and Food Hygiene legislation.
- Create exciting, quality-led dishes using seasonal ingredients that are well-balanced, costed accurately, and visually stunning.
- Maintain attention to detail, integrity, and quality of all menu items using recipe specifications and agreed presentation standards.
In return, we offer the successful applicant an OTE of up to £70,000 per annum depending on experience, including non-contractual service charge (tronc).
Head Chef Benefits
- Meals on duty
- 50% discount on food within our restaurants
- Up to £700 recruitment incentive
- Membership to our Employee Assistance Programme with Hospitality Action
- Pension scheme
- Opportunities to develop within our Company
- Uniform provided
- Complimentary Managers meal within one of our restaurants every six months
- 28 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum
- A paid day off on your birthday
- Team awards and prizes
- Hospitality Rewards: offering discounted gym membership, high-street and online shopping discounts, discounted vouchers, a cashback card, and 24/7 online GP service
Gees is part of The Oxford Collection; a small privately owned group of two luxury 5* hotels and apartments and three restaurants. We offer support, training, and development opportunities to help your career flourish. We believe that investment in each and every one of our collectives is key to the success of our business and the happiness of our customers. As a member of our team, we are looking for an exceptional candidate who shares these values.
Interviews will take place in Oxford, and as part of the recruitment process, eligibility to work within the UK must be proven, and two references should be available on request.
Required Experience & Key Skills
- Culinary Experience
- Food Handling
- Restaurant Experience
- Kitchen Management Experience
- Food Preparation Experience
- Kitchen Experience
- Food Industry
- Cooking
- Cost Control
- Baking
- Sanitation
- Leadership Experience
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Head Chef in Oxford employer: Gees Restaurant & Bar
Contact Detail:
Gees Restaurant & Bar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant scene in Oxford! Visit Gees and other local spots to understand their vibe and menu. This will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local events. Building relationships can lead to insider info about job openings and recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions and showcasing your culinary skills. Bring along a portfolio of your best dishes to impress the hiring team at Gees!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Gees team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. Share your culinary journey and what excites you about creating dishes that delight customers. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and create a positive kitchen culture.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific achievements, like managing food costs or creating seasonal menus. We want to know how your experience aligns with our expectations and how you can contribute to Gees.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Gees!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gees Restaurant & Bar
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Gees' seasonal menu and the types of dishes they serve. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance their offerings or introduce new ideas that align with their ethos of quality and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on teamwork, respect, and development. Highlight any specific instances where you’ve nurtured talent within your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Cost Control Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with food cost control and stock ordering. Bring examples of how you’ve managed budgets effectively in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the financial aspects of running a busy kitchen.
✨Stay Updated on Health & Safety Regulations
Make sure you’re up-to-date with current Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and Food Hygiene legislation. You might be asked about these topics during the interview, so having a solid grasp of the regulations will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to safety in the kitchen.
