At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create outstanding dishes and innovative food concepts.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, training opportunities, and family-friendly support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to social responsibility and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the catering industry while creating memorable experiences for customers.
- Qualifications: Proven kitchen management experience and a genuine passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Epsom
Salary: £45,000 per year
Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday
Houston & Hawkes are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Head Chef to lead our fantastic catering team, who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients. This is a great opportunity for a Head Chef to make a name for themselves within the contract catering industry. We will give you a place to grow and a career to be proud of.
Head Chef Duties:
- Overseeing the kitchen team, managing and working closely with other chefs of all levels to ensure all processes in the kitchen run smoothly
- Lead the team to use best practice Food Production techniques using the Houston & Hawkes systems and brand standards
- Setting up the kitchen, preparing the team for service, and ensuring all ingredients are fresh and in date
- Preparing ingredients, designing seasonal menu items, controlling and directing the food preparation process
- Approving and polishing dishes before they reach the customer
- Constantly innovating with pop ups and street food concepts
- Focusing on all customers including guests, staff and visitors & meeting dietary and allergen requirements whilst ensuring quality of food and service
- Accountable for stock flow and rotation of product within the unit
- Responsible for all aspects of food safety, Health & Safety and COSHH
- Ensuring that team members are available for their required shifts and that there are enough staff to cover busy periods
Head Chef Requirements:
- Proven experience in managing and leading a kitchen team
- A genuine passion for food
- Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments & innovations
- Honesty, transparency and consistency, someone who can gain and hold the respect of others
- Personal innovation and passion
- Demonstrative customer focus and service skills
- Experience of managing an overall budget
- Ownership and accountability of the role and that of their team
- Computer literate
- Ability to work efficiently and competently under pressure
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- High level of self-motivation and not constrained by conventional time keeping
- 706/2 or NVQ chef qualifications, or equivalent
- Strong ability to increase individual effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
Head Chef Additional Benefits:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme
- Life assurance at two times salary
- Company events including all company Christmas party
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave
- Day off on your birthday
- Referral bonuses
- Training and development opportunities
Who We Are:
Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and the first certified B Corp catering company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. We operate coffee bars, staff restaurants, and delis, tailored to our clients' hospitality and event needs. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams. Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth.
Head Chef employer: Houston and Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and professional growth. As a Head Chef in Epsom, you will enjoy a competitive salary, a contributory pension scheme, and numerous employee benefits including enhanced family support and recognition schemes. Join our award-winning team and make a meaningful impact in the contract catering industry while working with the finest ingredients in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, attend local food events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Head Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your creativity and passion for food. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to Houston & Hawkes or other catering companies you admire. Express your interest and share your experience; it shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements and culinary creations. Engage with industry-related content and connect with other professionals. It’s a great way to stay visible and attract opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create outstanding dishes. We want to see that genuine enthusiasm for the kitchen!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in managing and motivating others. Talk about how you've successfully guided a kitchen team in the past and any innovative practices you've implemented.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific achievements, like menu designs or successful events you've led. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our vibrant team at Houston & Hawkes.
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 get to know you better. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston and Hawkes
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into innovative menu items. Show your passion for food by sharing your favourite dishes and how you would elevate them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and train staff, manage busy periods, and ensure smooth operations. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership style and how it aligns with Houston & Hawkes' values.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety regulations, Health & Safety, and COSHH. Share specific instances where you've implemented best practices in your previous roles to ensure a safe and compliant kitchen environment.
✨Bring Your Creativity
Houston & Hawkes values innovation, so come armed with ideas for pop-ups or street food concepts. Discuss how you stay updated on catering trends and how you can bring fresh ideas to the table. This will show your enthusiasm for pushing culinary boundaries.
