Head Chef
£36k per annum plus gratuities, plus performance related‑bonus
Daytimes (1 Sunday a Month)
Guildford
We are looking for a motivated, passionate Head Chef to lead a small cafe team. Our client is a busy, independent cafe/restaurant located on the outskirts of Guildford and prides itself on serving high quality, freshly‑cooked food for breakfast, brunch, lunch, desserts and cakes. They have recently benefitted from a full kitchen refit making a fantastic area to work.
Responsibilities
- Lead from the front in delivering high-quality, fresh, and consistent food, at a fast pace, ensuring excellent presentation and timely service.
- Take full ownership of the kitchen’s performance, working in the best interests of the business to maximise profitability while maintaining an outstanding customer experience.
- Create, cost, and develop seasonal menus, carefully managing gross margins and minimising waste.
- Lead on allergens, maintain accurate and up-to-date allergen information and processes, ensuring both front and back of house teams are trained regularly.
- Manage kitchen rotas in line with agreed labour budgets, ensuring appropriate staffing.
- Recruit, train and develop the kitchen team, maintaining high standards of food quality, consistency and compliance with all relevant legislation. Carry out staff appraisals, performance management and, where necessary, disciplinary procedures.
- Build a strong, collaborative relationship with the Front of House team to ensure seamless service and a positive working environment.
- Oversee kitchen ordering, deliveries and stock control, including checking and processing supplier invoices accurately.
- Implement and maintain effective cost controls: portioning, waste management and stock rotation.
- Ensure the highest standards of food safety, health & safety and cleanliness are consistently met, maintaining a 5 EHO rating at all times.
Requirements
As Head Chef you will be an experienced and organised kitchen leader with a passion for fresh, seasonal food and a strong understanding of brunch‑led service. You will be able to work at a fast pace, be equally comfortable leading a busy service, managing a team and handling the administrative side of the kitchen, including EHO requirements, stock and invoices. A positive attitude, attention to detail, and a genuine love of food and hospitality are essential.
Benefits
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free on‑site parking
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