At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create high-quality dishes for our guests.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Knowle Country House, a premier dining destination.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest experiences with your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and strong leadership skills required.
Location: Knowle Country House, School Lane, Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7HP
Department: Catering
Reports to: Executive Chef
Contract: 35 hour week, No fixed hours, 5/7 contract, unsociable hours so need to be available daytimes, evenings and weekends
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 Annual Basic
About the role
Are you a passionate and motivated chef who takes pride in producing high-quality food and leading by example? Knowle Country House is looking for a talented and enthusiastic Head Chef to support our Executive Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef who enjoys working as part of a team, maintaining high culinary standards and helping to create an outstanding dining experience for our guests.
As Head Chef, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the kitchen, delivering consistently excellent food, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, and supporting the development of the kitchen team. You will also take responsibility for leading the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef, ensuring that service runs smoothly and standards remain consistently high.
Key responsibilities:
- Kitchen Operations
- Support the Executive Chef with the daily management and smooth running of the kitchen.
- Prepare, cook and present dishes to a consistently high standard, following agreed menus, recipes and portion sizes.
- Ensure the kitchen is organised, well-prepared and ready for service.
- Monitor food quality, presentation and consistency throughout service.
- Contribute ideas for new dishes, seasonal menus and menu improvements.
- Maintain a clean, organised and professional working environment.
- Team Leadership and Development
- Supervise, support and motivate the kitchen team during service.
- Allocate duties and help organise daily workloads to ensure an efficient service.
- Lead by example, promoting teamwork, professionalism and high standards.
- Support the training and development of junior chefs, kitchen assistants and new team members.
- Assist the Executive Chef with maintaining performance standards and developing the team.
- Take charge of the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence, ensuring continuity of service and quality.
- Stock Control and Cost Management
- Assist with ordering, receiving and storing food supplies.
- Monitor stock levels, report shortages and check deliveries for quality and accuracy.
- Ensure effective stock rotation and safe food storage.
- Maintain portion control and support food cost management.
- Minimise food waste and make efficient use of ingredients.
- Guest Experience
- Help deliver an excellent dining experience through outstanding food quality and presentation.
- Respond professionally to guest feedback and dietary requirements.
- Work closely with front-of-house colleagues to ensure smooth, well-coordinated service.
- Food Safety and Health & Safety
- Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness.
- Ensure food is prepared, stored and handled in line with food safety legislation and company procedures.
- Monitor food temperatures, storage conditions and safe working practices.
- Follow company health and safety procedures and report any hazards or unsafe conditions.
What we're looking for
We're looking for a reliable, organised and enthusiastic chef who can combine strong cooking skills with effective team leadership.
Essential skills and experience:
- Previous experience as a Chef de Partie, Head Chef or in a similar professional kitchen role.
- Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and kitchen operations.
- A good understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen management.
- The ability to lead, motivate and support a kitchen team.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- A keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for producing quality food.
- The ability to remain calm and work effectively under pressure.
- Experience in a supervisory or team leadership role.
- A good standard of education.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays where required.
Desirable:
- Experience in a hospitality or catering environment similar to Knowle Country House.
- Experience contributing to menu development and controlling food costs.
- A Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to play an important role in the kitchen at Knowle Country House, working alongside the Executive Chef to maintain high standards, develop your skills and help deliver an excellent experience for our guests. If you're a committed chef who enjoys taking responsibility, supporting a team and delivering great food, we'd love to hear from you.
How to apply
If you're ready to take the next step in your culinary career, apply today through Totaljobs. We look forward to hearing from you.
Head Chef in Strood employer: The Knowle Country House Limited
At Knowle Country House, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As a Floor Supervisor, you'll not only lead a dedicated front-of-house team in a stunning country house setting but also benefit from flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth within the hospitality industry. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values exceptional service and memorable guest experiences.
Contact Details:
The Knowle Country House Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Strood
✨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 Knowle Country House Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Knowle Country House Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Knowle Country House Limited 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 Strood
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 Knowle Country House Limited 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 Knowle Country House Limited
✨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!
