Head Chef
- Basingstoke, Hampshire
- £32,000-34,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Location: Cotswolds (Garden Centre)
Hours: Daytime only, no evenings or split shifts
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Full-time🍽️ About the RoleWe're seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at a vibrant garden centre café. This is a daytime-only role with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal dishes and exceptional customer experience. You'll have the freedom to shape menus, inspire your team, and bring creativity to a relaxed, countryside setting.🔹 Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
- Collaborate on seasonal menu planning, including daily specials and home baking.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards.
- Manage kitchen stock, ordering, and supplier relationships.
- Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a positive team culture.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and professionalism.
- Deputise for senior management when required.
- Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous in a busy kitchen.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Creative flair with the ability to design and execute appealing menus.
- Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Knowledge of HACCP and COSHH regulations.
- Calm under pressure, with excellent time management and attention to detail.
- No evening work or split shifts - enjoy a better work-life balance.
- Closed on major holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday).
- Staff discounts on meals and garden centre products.
- A supportive, family-run environment with room to grow.