Head Chef – Lead Kitchen Team

About the role

As Head Chef you will lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and outstanding service on every shift. You will create a positive, high‑performing kitchen environment, ensure operational excellence and maintain food quality standards while developing your team to reach their full potential.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team to achieve high performance and exceptional standards.
• Manage kitchen operations effectively during busy service periods.
• Recruit, train, coach and support team members to maximise their potential.
• Ensure every dish is prepared and presented to the highest standards, maintaining consistency in quality, portion control and presentation.
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health and safety, following all food safety procedures and company policies.
• Manage stock control, ordering and waste reduction, and conduct regular equipment safety checks.
• Control labour and food costs to meet business targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, productivity and team performance, and support the wider management team.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or Senior Sous Chef in a high‑volume environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing, training and developing teams.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations and kitchen compliance.
• Passion for delivering high‑quality food and exceptional customer experiences.
• Positive, motivational leadership style with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, solution‑focused with strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.

Required skills