Experienced Lead Chef

No Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Sunday or New Year's Day shifts. Sociable hours. Fresh, quality food. Newly renovated kitchen.

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Chef to oversee our busy, modern restaurant at Hamstreet Garden Centre. If you're passionate about fresh food and leading a positive kitchen culture, without the late nights or split shifts. This is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.

As Lead Chef, you will oversee the daily running of our kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards of food preparation, presentation and hygiene. You will lead by example, cooking a wide range of freshly made dishes from our extensive menu and supporting the team during peak service.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading and motivating the kitchen team
Cooking and preparing fresh food to order
Ensuring excellent food hygiene and safety practices
Managing stock, ordering and kitchen organisation
Supporting menu development and specials planning
Maintaining smooth service in a busy environment

We're looking for someone who:

Has proven experience as a Lead Chef, Head Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie looking to step up
Holds (or is working towards) NVQ Level 2/3 in catering or equivalent
Understands and upholds food safety and HACCP practices
Can manage a kitchen team with confidence and clarity
Works efficiently under pressure
Has a passion for fresh, quality food and great customer experience

A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is beneficial, but we offer full in-house training if required

What We Offer

Sociable working hours with no Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Sunday or New Year's Day shifts
20% staff discount on most purchases
28 days holiday (full time, including Bank Holidays)
Auto-enrolment pension scheme
Supportive, friendly environment
Opportunity to influence menu development

Working Pattern

Our restaurant operates within standard retail hours, including weekends and Bank Holidays. Occasional evening work may be required for events.

How to Apply

If you'd like to lead a well-supported kitchen with a great work-life balance, apply now with your CV and a short covering letter.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £28,000.00 per year

Benefits:
Company events
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
Free parking
On-site parking
Store discount

Application question(s):
Why are you the ideal candidate for this role?
Please write 2 to 3 sentences about your relevant, and most current professional work experience

Experience:
commerical kitchen : 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person