At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Join BaxterStorey, a leader in innovative workplace hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days holiday, free meals, and bespoke training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values diversity and supports career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a culinary revolution and showcase your creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Great opportunities for growth and development.
- 20 days holiday including bank holidays
- Plus your birthday as paid day off
- 26 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Secondary carer leave (enhanced; 4 weeks)
- Paid wedding/commitment day leave
- Free meals on shift
- Bespoke training and development opportunities
- Pension and life insurance
- Discounts available on our Perkbox app; high street shops, holidays & cinema
- Access to employee assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
We are seeking an experienced and professional Head Chef to join BaxterStorey in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. As Head Chef, you will lead our culinary operations, overseeing food preparation, kitchen staff, and the delivery of exceptional dining experiences. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation whilst managing kitchen budgets and driving innovation in menu development. This is a permanent position offering the opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise and leadership capabilities within a dynamic contract catering environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the kitchen team, providing clear direction, mentoring, and performance feedback to ensure operational excellence.
- Plan, develop, and execute diverse menus that meet client requirements, dietary specifications, and seasonal availability.
- Oversee all food preparation, cooking, and plating to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to established standards.
- Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene, and health and safety compliance across all kitchen operations.
- Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs, and optimise supplier relationships to achieve financial targets.
- Conduct regular staff training and induction programmes to develop culinary skills and maintain team competency.
- Monitor inventory levels, manage stock rotation, and minimise food waste through efficient resource management.
- Collaborate with management and clients to understand requirements and deliver tailored catering solutions.
- Conduct quality assurance checks and implement continuous improvement initiatives within the kitchen.
- Ensure all equipment is maintained to the highest standard and report maintenance issues promptly.
- Respond decisively to operational challenges and adapt menus or processes to meet changing client needs.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a contract catering or large-scale food production environment.
- Advanced culinary knowledge and expertise in a range of cooking techniques and cuisines.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing kitchen teams of varying sizes.
- Comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and health and safety legislation.
- Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in menu planning, recipe development, and cost analysis.
- Excellent people skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, clients, and suppliers.
- Detail-oriented approach to quality control and food presentation standards.
- Experience managing kitchen budgets and controlling food costs.
- Knowledge of dietary requirements and allergen management.
- Desirable: Experience with contract catering operations and diverse client bases.
- Desirable: Familiarity with kitchen management systems and inventory control software.
- Desirable: Experience in staff scheduling and rostering.
We need the brightest and the best to join us to make this all possible. We will support you to create your hospitality legacy and build a career that you are proud of. Our drive and belief in our people means that we always strive to supercharge our team’s careers. ‘Better’ is a daily habit that sits deep within our DNA, meaning learning will be front and centre of your experience working with us. Join us, and be part of the food revolution!
BaxterStorey Values:
- ALWAYS VISIONARY: We strive for better, we never settle, never compromise, never follow. We lead the way, blazing our own trail.
- WHOLEHEARTEDLY POSITIVE: We are up-beat, motivating and inspiring. Our love for what we do radiates through our food, and is amplified by our people.
- CREATIVELY COLLABORATIVE: We embrace our differences to push creativity and we work together to be better.
- FOREVER CONSCIOUS: We work together as a team to lead by example, protecting the planet and supporting local communities.
Interested? Even if you don’t meet all requirements, we’d like to hear from you. If you are motivated and hungry to learn, we can work together to develop your potential. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We celebrate individuality and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. BaxterStorey is committed to encouraging equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) among our workforce and aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To support our commitment to this we have set ourselves an ambition to ‘set the standard and to be recognised for having the most inclusive culture in hospitality’. Join us and bring your unique perspective to our team.
Baxterstorey - Head Chef employer: WSH Group
As a General Manager at our Stafford location, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences in a supportive and innovative work environment. We offer a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, bespoke training opportunities, and a focus on employee wellbeing, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to lead a large-scale catering operation with significant growth potential, where your contributions will directly impact our commitment to excellence in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Baxterstorey - Head Chef
✨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 WSH Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to WSH Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to WSH Group 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 Baxterstorey - Head Chef
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 WSH Group 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 WSH Group
✨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!
