£32000–£38000 yearly
Full-time
Thames Ditton
Job Title: Head Chef Reports To: General Manager / Owner Location: The Limping fox Job Purpose The Head Chef is responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, ensuring high-quality food preparation, excellent food safety standards, efficient kitchen operations, and the leadership of the kitchen team. The role includes menu planning, stock control, cost management, staff training, and ensuring compliance with all UK food hygiene, health and safety, and employment legislation. Key Responsibilities Kitchen Management • Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen., • Ensure all food is prepared and presented to the highest standards., • Develop seasonal menus and specials in line with business objectives., • Maintain consistency in food quality, portion control and presentation., • Monitor food production to minimise waste and maximise profitability. Food Safety & Hygiene • Ensure full compliance with the Food Safety Act 1990., • Follow the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 (or equivalent legislation for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)., • Implement and maintain HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) procedures., • Ensure all food is stored, prepared and served safely., • Monitor and record temperature checks for fridges, freezers, deliveries and cooked food., • Ensure cleaning schedules are completed and documented., • Maintain excellent personal hygiene standards within the kitchen., • Prepare for and maintain the standards required for Environmental Health Officer (EHO) inspections. Health & Safety • Comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974., • Conduct and review kitchen risk assessments., • Ensure safe use of kitchen equipment., • Report accidents and complete accident records where required., • Ensure compliance with:, • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, • Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements where applicable. Allergen Management • Ensure compliance with:, • Food Information Regulations 2014, • Natasha’s Law (Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019), • Ensure allergen information is accurate and available to customers., • Prevent cross-contamination., • Train staff on allergen awareness and procedures. Staff Management • Recruit, train and develop kitchen staff., • Produce staff rotas., • Conduct performance reviews., • Maintain high standards of teamwork and professionalism., • Ensure staff follow company policies and procedures., • Manage disciplinary matters where necessary. Stock Control • Order food and kitchen supplies., • Monitor stock levels., • Carry out regular stock takes., • Control food costs and wastage., • Liaise with suppliers. Financial Responsibilities • Work within agreed food GP targets., • Control labour costs., • Monitor kitchen budgets., • Reduce unnecessary waste. Cleaning & Maintenance • Ensure the kitchen is cleaned to a high standard., • Maintain equipment and arrange repairs when required., • Ensure all maintenance issues are reported promptly. Essential Qualifications & Certifications The successful Head Chef should hold (or be willing to obtain): • Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors (minimum), • HACCP Training, • Allergen Awareness Training, • COSHH Awareness Training, • Fire Safety Awareness, • Manual Handling Training, • Health & Safety Awareness, • First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid (desirable), • Personal Licence Holder (desirable if management duties include alcohol sales) Skills & Experience • Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef., • Strong leadership and team management skills., • Excellent organisational abilities., • Knowledge of UK food legislation., • Menu development experience., • Budget and stock control experience., • Ability to work under pressure., • Strong communication skills., • High attention to detail. Personal Attributes • Professional appearance., • Reliable and punctual., • Positive attitude., • Calm under pressure., • Passionate about food., • Excellent problem-solving skills., • Committed to maintaining high standards. Working Hours • Flexible hours including evenings, weekends and bank holidays., • Overtime may be required during busy periods. Performance Expectations The Head Chef will be expected to: • Maintain a minimum 5-star Food Hygiene Rating where achievable., • Ensure all legal food safety documentation is completed., • Keep food waste within agreed targets., • Maintain excellent kitchen cleanliness., • Deliver consistent, high-quality food., • Build and develop a motivated kitchen team., • Meet agreed food gross profit targets
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