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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional menus using fresh, local ingredients.
- Company: Join a passionate culinary group committed to sustainability and quality.
- Benefits: Earn up to £46,000 plus tips, bonuses, and staff accommodation.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills in a stunning setting with real career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-pressure kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy regular supplier visits and generous discounts across all sites.
The predicted salary is between 36800 - 46000 £ per year.
My client offers a rare opportunity to lead a 2 AA Rosette kitchen where the produce you cook with comes directly from your own kitchen garden - a true farm-to-fork experience in a stunning setting. This Head Chef position puts you at the heart of a culinary destination that champions sustainable practices and genuine quality, with real career growth opportunities across the group.
As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom to showcase exceptional ingredients - harvested from the on-site kitchen garden and sourced from carefully selected local suppliers - whilst leading and inspiring your team to maintain the prestigious standards that have earned this kitchen its 2 AA Rosette accreditation. This is your chance to blend culinary expertise with strong leadership, developing menus that celebrate provenance and seasonality whilst mentoring a talented brigade in a busy, high-pressure environment that rewards precision and flair.
This Head Chef role would suit an experienced chef who thrives on quality control and team development, someone who remains calm under pressure and takes pride in coaching junior team members. You'll bring financial acumen to manage costs and GP budgets, alongside a genuine commitment to sustainable working practices and food safety excellence. Due to the location, you'll need to be a driver to make the most of this opportunity.
What you will do:
- Lead and inspire a brigade in a busy, high-pressure environment while maintaining and elevating 2 AA Rosette standards.
- Collaborate on menus celebrating provenance and seasonality, using ingredients from the onsite kitchen garden and local suppliers.
- Manage costs, GP budgets, and financial performance while upholding food safety and sustainable practices.
- Coach, develop, and mentor junior team members to support career growth and strong teamwork.
- Drive and maintain kitchen operations, ensuring quality control and consistency across all service periods.
What we offer:
- Up to £46,000 Salary
- Amazing tips & bonus of up to £10,000
- Staff accommodation available to help you settle into the role
- Regular trips to visit suppliers both locally and internationally
- Generous discounts across all sites on food and drink, plus wine at cost
- Bonus scheme and excellent share of tips and tronc
My client is a small, passionate group who genuinely invest in their people and their produce. Their commitment to traceability, provenance, and the farm-to-fork ethos sets them apart as a true culinary destination where Head Chef talent is nurtured through structured career progression. If you're ready to lead a kitchen that champions exceptional ingredients and sustainable practices, Select Recruitment would love to hear from you today.
Head Chef in Hitchin employer: Select Appointments
Contact Detail:
Select Appointments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Hitchin
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with fellow chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary flair! Create a portfolio of your best dishes and menu ideas. This will not only impress potential employers but also give them a taste of your creativity and passion for farm-to-fork cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to sustainability and quality. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and quality ingredients shine through. Share your experiences with farm-to-fork practices and how you’ve used local produce in your previous roles. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating exceptional dishes!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and mentored junior chefs in the past. We’re looking for someone who can maintain high standards while fostering a positive kitchen environment.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: Don’t forget to mention your experience with managing costs and GP budgets. We value candidates who understand the financial side of running a kitchen, so include any relevant examples that showcase your ability to balance quality with profitability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to attach your CV and cover letter directly. Let’s get your culinary journey started with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Select Appointments
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the local suppliers and the produce from the kitchen garden. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these ingredients into your menus, showcasing your understanding of seasonality and provenance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in high-pressure environments. Highlight your coaching methods and how you inspire junior chefs to maintain high standards, as this role is all about developing talent.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Be prepared to talk about your experience managing costs and GP budgets. Discuss specific strategies you've used to maintain financial performance while upholding quality and safety standards in the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Sustainability
Since the role champions sustainable practices, come equipped with ideas on how you can further enhance these initiatives in the kitchen. Share any past experiences where you've implemented eco-friendly practices or reduced waste.
