At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create mouth-watering menus.
- Company: Established hospitality venue in beautiful Buckinghamshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, free meals, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Shape a kitchen operation and make your culinary mark.
- Qualifications: Experience as Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Other info: Perfect for passionate culinary leaders seeking stability and growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 43000 £ per year.
A well-established hospitality business in Buckinghamshire is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a busy, quality-driven hotel and restaurant operation based in Amersham (HP7). This is a senior leadership role for a confident, hands-on chef with strong operational and people-management skills, capable of taking full ownership of kitchen performance, standards, and profitability.
The Role
The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, ensuring consistent food quality, efficient operations, and compliance with food safety standards. Working closely with senior management, the role combines culinary creativity with strong commercial and leadership capability.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing the kitchen team to deliver high standards of food and service
- Managing day-to-day kitchen operations across all services
- Creating, reviewing, and refreshing menus to drive customer engagement
- Controlling food costs, GP margins, stock, ordering, and kitchen budgets
- Managing suppliers to ensure quality, consistency, and value
- Ensuring all food safety, allergen, and hygiene standards are met
- Maintaining kitchen equipment and overseeing deep cleans and maintenance
- Managing rotas, wages, training, performance, and disciplinary processes
- Supporting events and functions in line with guest requirements
Hours
45 hours per week. Shifts scheduled between 7am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday.
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
- Strong leadership, organisation, and kitchen management skills
- Solid understanding of food cost control and profitability
- Passion for developing teams and maintaining high standards
- Full driving licence preferred
- Able to commute to or relocate to Amersham, HP7
Benefits
- Salary up to £38,500 per annum
- Company pension
- Free or discounted meals
- Employee discounts
- Free on-site parking
This opportunity would suit a motivated culinary leader looking for long-term stability and the chance to shape a kitchen operation within a respected hospitality environment.
Head Chef in Amersham employer: LJ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
LJ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Amersham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality industry, attend local events, and join culinary groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on the perfect Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and kitchen management successes. A visual representation of your talent can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the venue. Understand their menu, values, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Amersham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience and achievements in the kitchen. We want to see how you've led teams, created amazing menus, and maintained high standards. Don't be shy – let your passion for food shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the Head Chef position. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at LJ Recruitment
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes the venue serves. Be ready to discuss how you would refresh or create menus that align with their style and customer preferences. This shows your culinary creativity and understanding of their brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Discuss specific situations where you’ve developed team members or improved kitchen operations. This will demonstrate your strong leadership and people-management skills, which are crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Understand Food Cost Control
Brush up on your knowledge of food cost control and profitability. Be ready to talk about how you’ve managed budgets, controlled GP margins, and worked with suppliers to ensure quality and value. This will highlight your operational expertise and financial acumen.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions or scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you would handle a busy service or manage kitchen hygiene standards. Think through your responses and be prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to high standards.