At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food production strategy and inspire a creative menu across three kitchens.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, evening and night premiums, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food innovation while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume hospitality and a recognised Food Production Certificate.
At the John Lewis Partnership, we know that exceptional food is a cornerstone of a "happier world." In this role, you will lead the food production strategy for our National Distribution Centre, shaping a menu that is as inspiring as it is nutritious. You aren't just managing a kitchen; you are leading a multi-site operation overseeing three kitchens and a team of 12 Partners to deliver high operational standards in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment. You will have the creative freedom to influence menu development while maintaining a sharp focus on profitability, price, and world-class food safety. Beyond the pass, you will act as a strategic partner across the Magna Park Campus, collaborating with the wider NDC network to ensure our hospitality services are seamless and holistic.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 18:00 - 22:00 will attract an Evening Premium at a rate of £3.75 per hour, and any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract a Night Premium at a rate of £4.75 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Salary: Up to £40,000
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Fully on-site at Magna Park.
The Hours: Shift-based, starting from 7:00 AM with a guaranteed finish by 7:00 PM.
The Balance: To support our 24/7 campus, occasional weekends are required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Food Leadership & Innovation: Shaping the menu for the NDC, ensuring the perfect balance between nutritional value and food inspiration for our Partners.
- Operational Excellence: Leading the food preparation process and managing kitchen inventory, stock requirements, and ordering to maintain high standards and minimise loss.
- Team Development: Coaching and mentoring a team of 12, fostering a high-performing and inclusive environment where every Partner can achieve their potential.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Taking full accountability for kitchen regulations, including the highest standards of food safety, hygiene legislation, and Health & Safety protocols.
- Campus Strategic Support: Playing a central role in the delivery of holistic support services across the campus, collaborating with the Engagement team and the wider Hospitality team.
- Commercial Oversight: Managing the kitchen budget and administrative requirements to ensure management information is accurate and food cost targets are met.
- Crisis Recovery: Acting as a key stakeholder in business recovery plans, ensuring the campus hospitality services can resume quickly and safely in the event of service failure.
Essential Skills/Experience You’ll Need:
- Technical Qualification: A recognised Food Production Certificate (NVQ Level 2 in food production, City & Guilds 706 1 & 2 or equivalent).
- Supervisory Experience: Proven operational experience in a high-volume hospitality or production environment at a supervisory/management level.
- Team Leadership: A track record of building high-performing teams, integrating diverse skills, and creating a trust-based environment.
- IT Literacy: Good basic IT skills for managing stock, ordering, and administrative reporting.
- Strategic Influence: Strong communication skills with the ability to resolve professional differences and reach "win-win" outcomes with stakeholders.
Desirable Skills/Experience You May Have:
- Advanced Safety: An Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 4).
- Logistics Catering: Experience managing food production within a distribution or industrial campus setting.
- Analytical Mindset: Familiarity with using data and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement in menu design.
Closing Date: July 28, 2026
Pay: £32,700.00 - £51,200.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 37.5 week with some weekends required. This is a multi-site role. Looking after 3 different kitchens within close proximity. Managing and coaching a brigade of chefs with different skill bases and apprentice levels.
Important points to note: It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Head Chef employer: John Lewis
As a Retail Sales Assistant at John Lewis in Horsham, you will be part of a renowned company that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. With competitive pay and the opportunity for uncapped commission, you can grow your skills in a dynamic retail environment while enjoying flexible working hours. John Lewis is committed to employee development, ensuring that you have access to training and growth opportunities that make your role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 John Lewis. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to John Lewis
Don't be shy about reaching out to John Lewis 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
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 John Lewis 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 John Lewis
✨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!
