At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create elevated pub classics.
- Company: Woodbridge Hotel, a beloved local pub with a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, yearly bonus, staff discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a well-established venue with a strong local presence.
- Why this job: Take ownership of the kitchen and influence a menu that locals love.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready for a challenge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Venue
Located in the heart of Guildford, the Woodbridge Hotel is a much-loved local pub full of character, set within a charming heritage building. With a busy bistro, loyal community following and a packed events calendar, the venue delivers a warm, welcoming pub experience week in, week out. The kitchen is all about elevated pub classics with a strong Irish and English influence – hearty, generous dishes designed to keep locals coming back. Expect fresh, in-house cooking, quality local produce, rotating specials and strong, consistent trade across the week.
About the Role
- We're looking for a passionate, hands-on Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen, lead from the front and continue building a strong, high-performing BOH team.
- Full ownership of all BOH operations
- Lead, mentor and develop your kitchen team
- Drive food quality, consistency and service standards
- Manage stock control, ordering, rostering and labour costs
- Deliver strong GP performance in line with AVC targets
- Maintain high standards across food safety and WHS compliance
About You
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready for the next step
- Background in busy pubs, bistros or high-volume kitchens
- Passion for classic pub food and hearty Irish/English-style cooking
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and retain a solid team
- Hands-on, organised and calm under pressure
- Strong understanding of kitchen systems, costing and operational performance
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary + yearly bonus of up to $20K paid quarterly
- Well-established venue with strong local trade and community presence
- Autonomy to lead your kitchen and influence the food offering
- Support from AVC central teams including operations, recruitment, marketing and IT
- Career growth opportunities across a network of 240+ venues
- Great team culture within a community-focused pub
- Staff discounts across all AVC venues
Head Chef Woodbridge employer: Job Search Place Limited
Join the Woodbridge Hotel, a cherished local pub in Guildford, where you can lead a passionate kitchen team and create elevated pub classics that resonate with the community. Enjoy competitive pay, a yearly bonus, and the autonomy to shape your culinary vision while benefiting from a supportive network of over 240 venues. With a strong focus on career growth and a vibrant team culture, this is an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a lively, community-oriented environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Woodbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry folks. Attend local food events or join culinary groups to meet people who might know about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your cooking style. This not only highlights your passion for elevated pub classics 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 listings to appear. Reach out directly to venues you admire, like the Woodbridge Hotel, and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to get your foot in the door. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenge of leading a busy kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Woodbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for classic pub food shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for hearty Irish and English dishes, so share any relevant experiences or inspirations that fuel your passion for cooking.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've mentored others, managed a busy kitchen, or improved team performance in the past.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We’re looking for someone with proven experience in high-volume kitchens. Be specific about your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Mention any successful menu changes or cost-saving initiatives you’ve implemented.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you one step closer to joining our fantastic team at the Woodbridge Hotel!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Classics
Brush up on your knowledge of classic Irish and English pub dishes. Be ready to discuss how you would elevate these classics while maintaining their heartiness. This shows your passion for the cuisine and your ability to innovate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Discuss your mentoring approach and how you handle pressure. This will demonstrate your readiness to take ownership and build a strong BOH team.
✨Understand the Numbers
Familiarise yourself with key kitchen metrics like stock control, GP performance, and labour costs. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles, as this will highlight your operational expertise.
✨Engage with the Venue's Community
Research the Woodbridge Hotel and its community presence. Think about how you can contribute to its local following and events calendar. Showing that you understand the venue's character will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares.
