Head Chef in Thatcham

Head Chef in Thatcham

Thatcham Full-Time 45000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
LJ Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create authentic Spanish dishes.
  • Company: Luxury Spanish restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere on the River.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation assistance, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Join a thriving culinary destination and make your mark!
  • Why this job: Shape menus and influence new openings in a dynamic restaurant group.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in Spanish cuisine.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.

Overview

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire

Accommodation assistance available

LJ Recruitment is proud to partner with a luxury Spanish restaurant on the River in Maidenhead - a vibrant and contemporary dining destination renowned for its chic décor, relaxed atmosphere, and authentic Spanish flavours. The restaurant serves up to 450 covers on busy days and is part of an expanding group with two successful venues and a third due to open next year.

We are seeking a Head Chef with proven expertise in Spanish and tapas cuisine, capable of leading a talented team in a high-volume, quality-driven environment.

What We’re Offering

  • Base salary: £45,000-£48,000
  • On-target earnings: up to £60,000 with Tronc
  • Accommodation support available for relocation
  • Five straight shifts per week (on a rota basis)
  • Opportunity to shape menus, influence new openings, and grow within a dynamic restaurant group

Your Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, motivate, and develop a small kitchen brigade (5-6 chefs)
  • Maintain exceptional culinary standards with a focus on authentic Spanish tapas
  • Oversee all kitchen operations - stock control, ordering, and cost management
  • Ensure food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met
  • Build strong relationships with suppliers to source premium ingredients
  • Design and develop seasonal dishes and innovative menus
  • Deliver a smooth, high-quality service for up to 450 covers per day

About You

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a Spanish or Mediterranean restaurant
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills with a hands-on, inspiring approach
  • Deep understanding of flavour, presentation, and operational excellence
  • Passionate about authentic Spanish cuisine and eager to be part of a growing brand

If you’re ready to bring your creativity and leadership to a thriving luxury Spanish restaurant, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of one of Maidenhead’s most exciting culinary destinations!

Head Chef in Thatcham employer: LJ Recruitment

Join a vibrant and contemporary luxury Spanish restaurant in Maidenhead, where you can thrive in a dynamic work culture that values creativity and culinary excellence. With competitive salaries, accommodation assistance for relocation, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within an expanding group, this is an excellent employer for passionate chefs looking to make their mark in the culinary world. Experience the excitement of shaping menus and leading a talented team in a high-volume environment while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a chic dining destination.

LJ Recruitment

Contact Details:

LJ Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Thatcham

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 LJ Recruitment. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to LJ Recruitment

Don't be shy about reaching out to LJ Recruitment 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 in Thatcham

Expertise in Spanish and tapas cuisine
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Culinary Standards Maintenance
Kitchen Operations Management
Stock Control
Cost Management

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 LJ Recruitment 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 LJ Recruitment

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!