At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional Mediterranean dishes and memorable dining experiences.
- Company: The Boxford, a vibrant restaurant in the scenic Berkshire countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, complimentary meals, 28 days holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a family-feel culture with excellent growth potential and employee perks.
- Why this job: Shape culinary innovation and inspire a passionate team in a modern dining environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with a flair for creativity.
The predicted salary is between 30600 - 37400 £ per year.
The Boxford is a vibrant, ambitious Mediterranean restaurant where seasonal creativity, precision, and excellence are at the hearts of our culinary identity. As Head Chef, you will lead and inspire a high-performing kitchen team to deliver exceptional food, memorable experiences, and operational excellence.
This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, an obsession with detail, and the ability to maintain calm, focus, and professionalism within a dynamic kitchen environment. You will shape the culinary direction of The Boxford - driving innovation, developing menus that celebrate flavour, and ensuring consistent delivery of outstanding dishes. You will also cultivate a warm, respectful, and collaborative team culture that supports growth, learning, and long-term development.
Salary Package: £40,000pa plus generous tronc
Hours: 45 hour contract
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Development
- Inspire, lead and motivate the kitchen team to achieve business goals and exceptional service standards
- Mentor, coach, and train team members through regular 1:1s, PDPs, and performance management
- Manage recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and succession planning
- Create a culture of excellence, learning, and mutual respect; uphold grooming, professionalism, and hygiene standards
- Ensure high morale and team engagement through positive daily leadership
- Kitchen Operations & Standards
- Manage day-to-day kitchen operations to ensure smooth, efficient service for approximately 65 covers (up to 90 in peak service)
- Oversee food preparation, plating, and consistency to a high Rosette-level standard
- Maintain impeccable mise en place, production, cleanliness, and adherence to hygiene and food safety protocols
- Ensure the kitchen remains clean, efficient, and compliant with all H&S legislation (COSHH, Food Safety, Legal Regulations, Environmental Policies)
- Operate and maintain all kitchen equipment to ensure safe and effective 24/7 operation
- Menu Development & Culinary Creativity
- Lead on menu development, bringing seasonal, innovative, modern Italian flavours to life
- Drive innovation and continuously improve culinary standards, techniques, and processes
- Guide team members to cook and present dishes of exceptional quality, ensuring consistent guest satisfaction
- Stock, Budget & Profitability
- Manage all food budgets, recipe costing, GP targets, and overall kitchen profitability
- Plan and manage ordering in line with anticipated business levels
- Oversee stock rotation, storage, food utilisation, portion control, and waste minimisation
- Administration & Compliance
- Complete and oversee all kitchen administration tasks including due diligence logs, compliance documentation, and daily checklists
- Monitor adherence to all kitchen policies and procedures and implement improvements where required
- Attend and conduct departmental meetings to ensure smooth operational communication across the business
- Manage rotas, shift coverage, and resource planning across restaurant, and events operations
- Anticipate guest needs and manage challenging service situations with professionalism and calm authority
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef.
- Proficiency in diverse cooking techniques and cuisines
- Leaving Cert level education or above
- NVQ qualification or equivalent
- Ability to display a real passion for food and customer service
- Flair and innovative with menus and food presentation
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Exceptional attention to detail
Additional Information
WSH Restaurants has built a family-feel culture where we offer development and progression for all. In addition to that, we also offer a range of benefits including:
- Complimentary meals during shifts
- 28 days holiday, increasing with length of service
- Life Assurance
- Recommend-a-friend scheme with significant referral bonuses
- Access to Perkbox, offering discounts across gyms, travel, shopping, gadgets and more
- Reward programmes, long service awards, staff recognition, and performance incentives
- Workplace pension scheme
- Opportunity to develop and further your career within a fast growing and exciting company
- Employee Assistance Programme & wellbeing hub
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Head Chef in Newbury employer: The Boxford
The Boxford in Newbury is an exceptional employer that values creativity and culinary excellence, providing a vibrant work culture where innovation thrives. With competitive salaries and clear pathways for career progression, employees are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute to exciting menu innovations. The supportive team environment and commitment to high standards make it a rewarding place for passionate chefs to grow their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Newbury
✨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 The Boxford. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Boxford
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Boxford 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 Newbury
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 The Boxford 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 The Boxford
✨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!
