Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
W

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create and innovate seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients.
  • Company: The Wheatsheaf Inn, a vibrant Cotswold pub with a friendly team.
  • Benefits: Full menu autonomy, culinary masterclasses, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
  • Other info: Join a supportive community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Lead a passionate team and showcase your culinary creativity in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

The Wheatsheaf Inn is a quintessential Cotswold Pub, offering a seasonally changing 'Best of British' menu along with premium wines, lagers ales and spirits and 14 individually appointed guest bedrooms. Our large garden is operational all year round, bustling in the warmer weather, serviced via our outdoor bar and wood fired pizza oven and then offering a covered, heated area during the colder seasons. We are a dedicated, passionate and friendly team, always going 'the extra mile' for our guests.

Being a Head Chef at Young's: We believe every pub should be different. This means that you'll be writing your own recipes that match the food vision of your business using fresh seasonal ingredients. The food vision could be all about showcasing local produce, country pub classics, seafood, small plates and sharers, dry‑aged meat - each pub is different and it's up to you as head chef to put your own creative stamp on that vision. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should constantly evolve to showcase these fantastic ingredients when they are at their best. Premium fresh food crafted by skilled chefs in Premium Pubs.

What we offer our Head Chefs:

  • Full autonomy to create your own menus and specials
  • Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
  • Access to regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery and Shellfish
  • Access to inspirational food trips with our top quality suppliers
  • Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to inspire and develop
  • Free meals
  • 20% discount in all Young's Pubs and 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
  • Share save Scheme
  • Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
  • 28 Days Holiday per year

What we look for in a Head Chef:

  • Someone that can inspire a team, to bring out the potential and lead by example whilst being able to develop, cost and produce fresh seasonal menus for the variety of revenue streams within the business.
  • Experience championing excellent service through quality food either as a Head Chef or in the position of Sous Chef.
  • A passion for leading and developing a team.
  • An active hands‑on team player with excellent communication skills.
  • Responsible and able to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and all health and safety effectively at all times.
  • Ability to demonstrate creativity and design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials.
  • Great planning and organisational skills, necessary to maintain effective controls with regard to both GP and labour.
  • A pro‑active approach to driving sales and delivering growth, through engagement with both kitchen and front of house teams.

Head Chef employer: Wheatsheaf Inn

The Wheatsheaf Inn is an exceptional employer, offering Head Chefs the unique opportunity to craft their own seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients in a vibrant Cotswold setting. With a strong emphasis on team collaboration and personal development, employees benefit from culinary masterclasses, an apprenticeship scheme, and a supportive work culture that values creativity and excellence. Enjoy perks such as free meals, generous discounts, and a comprehensive benefits package, all while working in a picturesque environment that celebrates the best of British hospitality.

W

Contact Details:

Wheatsheaf Inn Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

Tip Number 1

Get to know the pub! Before your interview, pop by The Wheatsheaf Inn and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff and see how they operate. This will give you a feel for the place and help you tailor your ideas to fit their vibe.

Tip Number 2

Show off your creativity! Prepare a few unique dish ideas that highlight seasonal ingredients. Bring these to the interview to demonstrate your vision and how you can elevate their menu. We love seeing fresh concepts!

Tip Number 3

Connect with the team! During your interview, engage with everyone you meet. Show your passion for teamwork and leadership. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop the kitchen crew, so let your personality shine!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their current menu, suppliers, and any challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success. And hey, apply through our website for a smoother process!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Menu Development
Creativity
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Planning and Organisational Skills
Cost Management
Health and Safety Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create amazing dishes. We want to see your personality and passion for the 'Best of British' menu.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in inspiring and developing others. Talk about how you've motivated your team in the past and any successful projects you've led. We’re all about teamwork here!

Be Creative with Your Menu Ideas:We love fresh, seasonal produce, so don’t hold back on sharing your innovative ideas for menus and specials. Give us a taste of your creativity by including examples of dishes you’d love to craft at The Wheatsheaf Inn.

Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We can’t wait to see your application and hopefully welcome you to our passionate team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wheatsheaf Inn

Showcase Your Culinary Creativity

As a Head Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to create unique and seasonal menus. Prepare a few sample dishes or ideas that reflect your culinary style and how you would incorporate local produce. This will show your passion and creativity during the interview.

Know the Business Inside Out

Familiarise yourself with The Wheatsheaf Inn's menu and ethos. Understand their focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and how they cater to their guests. Being able to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs will impress the interviewers.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills

The role requires inspiring a team, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Discuss your approach to training staff and fostering a positive work environment, as this is crucial for the role.

Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions about managing kitchen operations, including cost control and health and safety. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and be prepared to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios in the kitchen.