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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional dishes from scratch.
- Company: Join a respected gastropub in Oxford known for its vibrant atmosphere and outstanding food.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £45k salary, profit share, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive environment that values creativity and quality in cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in a fast-paced kitchen and a passion for culinary excellence are essential.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy to shape the menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Head Chef – Stunning Destination Gastropub – Oxford – £45k + Tronc + Profit Share
We’re on the hunt for a passionate and driven Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at a busy, high-profile gastropub in Oxford. This is not just a job – it’s a career-defining opportunity to join an established and respected company with a track record of excellence, innovation, and genuine care for its people.
This is a thriving gastropub known for our warm hospitality, buzzing atmosphere, and outstanding food. Everything on our menu is made from scratch, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and we take immense pride in serving dishes that are bold, honest, and full of flavour.
As Head Chef, you’ll:
- Lead, inspire, and grow a skilled brigade in a fast-paced kitchen
- Drive creativity and quality across all menus
- Ensure consistent delivery of exceptional food and standards
- Take full control of kitchen management, including GP targets, rotas, stock, and compliance
- Work closely with senior management to shape the future of the business
What’s In It For You
- £45,000 basic salary
- Tronc on top
- Share of profits
- Real progression and development with a business that promotes from within
- Full backing from experienced owners and a supportive head office
- Autonomy to lead your kitchen and influence the food offering
- Fresh, seasonal produce – no packets, no shortcuts
Ready to take the next step in your culinary career?
Apply now and be part of something truly special.
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Head Chef employer: Nicholas Jon Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Nicholas Jon Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Research the gastropub's menu and culinary style before your interview. Familiarise yourself with their use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and think about how you can contribute to their ethos of bold and honest dishes.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've inspired creativity and maintained high standards under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of kitchen management by being ready to talk about how you handle GP targets, stock control, and compliance. This will demonstrate your capability to take full control of the kitchen operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your enthusiasm for career progression and development within the company. Share your long-term goals and how they align with the gastropub's vision, showing that you're committed to growing with them.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Head Chef. Familiarise yourself with the gastropub's ethos, menu style, and the importance of using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in kitchen management, menu development, and team leadership. Emphasise any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive creativity and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and hospitality. Share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team, managed stock, and ensured compliance with health standards. Make it personal and show why you want to work at this particular gastropub.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Jon Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Passion for Food
As a Head Chef, your love for cooking and food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and how you incorporate seasonal ingredients into your menus. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen team. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed your brigade, managed conflicts, and maintained a positive working environment. This is crucial for a role that requires managing a skilled team in a fast-paced setting.
✨Discuss Kitchen Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience with kitchen management tasks such as controlling GP targets, creating rotas, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Providing specific examples will show that you are organised and capable of handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the gastropub's ethos and values before the interview. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding using locally sourced ingredients and creating a warm atmosphere. This will show that you are not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
