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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create outstanding dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, training opportunities, and birthday off.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the catering industry while innovating with exciting food concepts.
- Qualifications: Proven kitchen management experience and a genuine passion for food.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to social responsibility and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Epsom
Salary: £44,000-£45,000
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’ll give you a place to grow and a career to be proud of.
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
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 & Hawkes
Contact Detail:
Houston & Hawkes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend local food events or workshops, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for cooking. You never know who might have the perfect opportunity for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event to showcase your culinary creativity. This is a great way to demonstrate your talent and innovation, which is exactly what Houston & Hawkes is looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and their food philosophy. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of creating memorable experiences through sustainable food offerings. We want to see your enthusiasm for their brand!
✨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 Houston & Hawkes team. Let’s get you that Head Chef position!
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!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head Chef role. Highlight your experience in managing kitchen teams and any innovative food concepts you've introduced. This is your chance to stand out, so make it personal!
Be Clear About Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate a team. In your application, describe your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed a kitchen before. Show us how you can inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston & 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, as this shows your passion for food and creativity.
✨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, ensuring that everyone works efficiently under pressure.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food safety regulations, Health & Safety, and COSHH guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen, as this is crucial for any Head Chef role.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
Think about some unique pop-up or street food concepts you could bring to the table. Show your enthusiasm for culinary trends and how you can keep the menu fresh and exciting for customers.
