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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create innovative, seasonal dishes.
- Company: Join Wilson Vale, a prestigious venue in Oxford with family-run values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, free training, and birthday off after one year.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a creative environment that values fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, strong communication skills, and experience in senior kitchens.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture where every team member has a voice.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 57400 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head Chef role at Wilson Vale. This prestigious venue in Oxford is looking for a culinary leader to oversee our kitchen.
Base Pay Range & Employment Salary: circa £41,000 per annum. Position: Permanent, full‑time, 40‑hour week. Flexibility required for night shifts and special events; shifts run 6 am‑midnight on a rota.
Key Responsibilities:
- Cater to all customers and maintain brand standards.
- Lead, train, and manage a 10‑person brigade.
- Plan and innovate the menu, ensuring fresh, seasonal, and globally inspired dishes.
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and health & safety records.
- Handle budgeting, ordering, stock taking and inventory.
- Oversee allergy reporting and customer communication.
- Support the Executive Chef in team development.
Skills & Experience:
- Passion for food and team collaboration.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a high‑pressure environment.
- Experience in senior hospitality kitchens.
- Local knowledge of Oxford area preferred.
- Creativity, innovation, and training passion.
- Proactive, reliable, and excellent presentation.
Culture & Values:
- Craft‑skilled chefs who pride themselves on fresh food.
- Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
- Freedom to create food themes and pop‑ups.
- Family‑run values of nurturing development and trust.
- Environmental and social commitment.
Perks:
- Career development opportunities and free craft‑focused training.
- Customized paid training.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee savings scheme and birthday off after 1 year.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
Wilson Vale is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Every team member has a voice.
Head Chef in Oxford employer: Wilson Vale
Contact Detail:
Wilson Vale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Oxford
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your creativity and passion for food. This not only builds your portfolio but also gets your name out there in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the venue and its values. Understand their menu and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When 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 that spark of creativity and innovation that aligns with our values.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in managing and training others. Talk about how you've successfully led a brigade in the past and how you foster collaboration in a high-pressure environment.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific achievements, like menu innovations or successful events you've catered. This helps us understand how your background fits with our needs at Wilson Vale.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to attach your CV and cover letter seamlessly. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson Vale
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes that Wilson Vale serves. Think about how you can innovate their menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients and globally inspired flavours. This shows your passion for food and creativity!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team of ten. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen brigade in the past. Highlight your experience in training and developing team members, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Savvy
Customer satisfaction is key in hospitality. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled customer feedback or dietary requirements in previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of communication and customer service in a high-pressure environment.
✨Emphasise Your Local Knowledge
If you have local knowledge of Oxford, use it to your advantage! Talk about how you can incorporate local flavours or ingredients into the menu. This not only demonstrates your commitment to sourcing locally but also aligns with Wilson Vale's values.
