At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create stunning seasonal dishes in a bustling restaurant.
- Company: Gees, a vibrant independently owned restaurant with a rich history in Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meals on duty, discounts, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive company that values your development and well-being.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make your mark in a beautifully refurbished venue.
- Qualifications: Proven culinary experience and strong leadership skills required.
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 that consists of the Old Bank Hotel, the Old Parsonage Hotel, 36 St Giles, Parsonage Grill, Gees Restaurant & Bar, and Quod Restaurant & Bar. Having recently undergone a complete refurbishment programme, we have 80 bedrooms across three iconic properties in central Oxford with unrivalled views across the city's beautiful skyline. 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 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
Gees is an exceptional employer that prides itself on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment within its stunning Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory. As part of 'The Oxford Collection', we offer our team members not only competitive salaries and benefits, including meals on duty and generous discounts, but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the vibrant culinary scene of Oxford. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering contemporary British cuisine while enjoying a balanced work-life with a sensible shift pattern.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Oxford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Gees Restaurant & Bar. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Gees Restaurant & Bar
Don't be shy about reaching out to Gees Restaurant & Bar directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Gees Restaurant & Bar and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gees Restaurant & Bar
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
