Head Chef - Huntingdon Garden Centre

This is a rare opportunity to shape a creative, seasonal menu in a well-established restaurant that values quality, consistency, and innovation — all while enjoying an exceptional work-life balance with no evening service.

You will oversee all kitchen operations, lead and develop the team, and work closely with senior management to maintain the outstanding standards our loyal customers have come to expect.

What We Offer

• 40 hours per week
• Daytime hours only — no evening shifts
• Closed on Boxing Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday
• A supportive and professional working environment
• Full creative input into seasonal menus and specials
• Opportunity to lead and develop a passionate kitchen team
• Staff meals and garden centre discounts
• Long-term career progression within an established hospitality business

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to freshness, flavour, and presentation. You will lead by example, inspiring your team to consistently deliver exceptional food and service standards.

You will oversee menu development, kitchen organisation, food safety compliance, stock management, and team performance, while helping create a positive and professional kitchen culture.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced fresh-food environment and enjoys balancing creativity with operational excellence.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

• Lead, organise, and motivate the kitchen team during prep and service
• Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day kitchen operations
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and service
• Oversee all kitchen sections and support the brigade during busy periods
• Create a positive, professional, and team-focused working environment
• Manage kitchen rotas in line with business needs and labour targets

Menu Development & Food Preparation

• Design and develop seasonal menus, specials, and new dishes
• Champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible
• Ensure consistency, portion control, and quality standards across all dishes
• Drive creativity and innovation within the menu offering
• Monitor food trends and customer preferences to keep menus exciting and relevant
• Ensure all allergen and dietary requirements are managed correctly

Stock Control & Financial Management

• Manage ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships
• Monitor GP margins and support cost-effective kitchen management
• Minimise waste and implement effective stock rotation procedures
• Ensure accurate portioning and cost control across the kitchen
• Conduct regular stock takes and maintain accurate records

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP, and health & safety regulations
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen
• Ensure all food is stored, labelled, and handled correctly
• Oversee cleaning schedules and kitchen maintenance procedures
• Prepare for and maintain strong environmental health inspection standards

Team Development & Communication

• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen team members
• Support junior chefs in developing their skills and confidence
• Conduct regular performance reviews and ongoing coaching
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house and senior management teams
• Lead by example with professionalism, positivity, and strong work ethic

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef in a professional kitchen
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Passion for fresh, seasonal food and high-quality presentation
• Experience managing kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities
• Strong understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, and kitchen compliance
• Ability to manage stock, labour, and kitchen costs effectively
• Calm, professional, and solution-focused under pressure

Desirable

• Experience within café, restaurant, or garden centre dining environments
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• Interest in modern British seasonal cuisine
• Experience developing menus and managing supplier relationships
• Knowledge of allergen management and nutritional considerations

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about food and proud of their craft
• A confident and motivating leader
• Creative, driven, and full of ideas
• Calm, organised, and dependable under pressure
• Friendly and professional in a customer-facing environment
• Dedicated to maintaining exceptional standards every day

If you are a talented Head Chef seeking daytime hours, creative freedom, and the opportunity to lead a passionate kitchen team in a thriving hospitality environment, we would love to hear from you!