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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, plan menus, and ensure high food hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Howdens Garden Centre, a vibrant place known for quality food and local produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, no evening shifts, generous discounts, and 6 weeks annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating mouth-watering dishes in a family-friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with weekends included, but closed on major holidays for family time.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Full Time Permanent Head Chef to join the team in our Restaurant in Howdens Garden Centre. Our competitive rates of pay range are dependent on experience. The hours for this role are 45 hours over 5 days. All positions include weekend working so flexibility is a must. However, we have the added benefit of no evening work and no split shifts. Our Centre is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day which means time with the family on these important days.
Our restaurant boasts an impressive menu serving the highest quality, mouth-watering dishes using the best local produce along with sweet treats and home baking from our on-site bakery. We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly experienced Chef who will relish the prospect of working in this fantastic facility.
The Role
As the Head Chef, you will lead the team in all areas of food production. A true foodie, you will bring your personality to the kitchen inspiring and motivating your team with passion to produce freshly cooked, fabulous food. Along with the Restaurant Manager, you will be responsible for the overall restaurant operation to drive sales, maintain operating standards, develop the restaurant team, and deliver a fantastic experience for our customers.
What you will be doing as a Head Chef?
- Lead the daily operation of the kitchen, you will be 'hands on'.
- Plan menus and daily specials within company framework.
- Plan and manage the chef and kitchen team in the preparation of all meals.
- Monitor stock levels and manage stock orders and carry out weekly stock count to ensure GP targets are achieved.
- Manage the cleaning of equipment and working areas to the highest food hygiene standards.
- Plan rotas and holidays to meet service level requirements.
- Work closely with the Restaurant Manager to achieve the highest standards, service and sales.
What makes you our perfect Head Chef?
- Successful and experienced Head Chef with the ability to manage a large team and significant peaks in service.
- Friendly, with an engaging personality and a genuine love for customer service.
- Strong communicator who can motivate and develop their team to deliver with enthusiasm and great personality.
- Knowledgeable in Food Hygiene and Health and Safety requirements.
- Commercially aware to achieve sales and profit targets.
- Passion for delivering the highest quality food and service.
The benefits!
- Competitive rates of pay.
- Healthy work/life balance with no evening work.
- Access to 100s of retail and lifestyle experiences and discounts.
- Health Cash Plans.
- Generous staff discounts.
- 6 weeks Annual Leave per year.
- Free Parking.
Sound Interesting? If you think you've got what it takes and would like to join our team as a Head Chef, please click 'Apply' now.
Head Chef, Howdens Garden Centre employer: William Strike
Contact Detail:
William Strike Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef, Howdens Garden Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens Garden Centre's menu and culinary style. Understanding their focus on local produce and home baking will help you align your experience and ideas with what they value, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you motivated your team or improved service standards, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety regulations during any discussions. Being able to demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in these areas will reassure them of your capability to lead the kitchen effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Howdens Garden Centre if possible. Gaining insights into the company culture and expectations can give you an edge in understanding what they are looking for in a Head Chef.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef, Howdens Garden Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Head Chef. Focus on your leadership skills, menu planning abilities, and any achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your capability to manage a kitchen effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, such as managing a team or creating successful menus, to make a strong impression.
Highlight Your Food Hygiene Knowledge: Since knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety is crucial for this role, be sure to include any relevant certifications or training you have completed. This will show your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Showcase Your Personality: The job requires a friendly and engaging personality. Use your application to convey your enthusiasm for cooking and leading a team. Share anecdotes that reflect your character and how you inspire those around you.
How to prepare for a job interview at William Strike
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Head Chef, your love for food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you source local produce. This will demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team, it's crucial to showcase your experience in managing kitchen staff. Share examples of how you've motivated your team, handled peak service times, and maintained high standards in the kitchen.
✨Discuss Menu Planning Experience
Be ready to talk about your approach to menu planning and how you create daily specials. Mention any successful menus you've developed in the past and how you ensure they align with customer preferences and seasonal ingredients.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Food hygiene and health and safety are paramount in a kitchen environment. Prepare to discuss your knowledge of these regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
