Chef- Endsleigh Garden Centre

This is a fantastic opportunity to produce beautiful seasonal dishes in a kitchen that values quality, consistency, and creativity — all while enjoying an excellent work-life balance with no evening service.

Location: Endsleigh Garden Centre
Hours: 4 days per week, including weekend working, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

What We Offer

• Daytime hours only — no evening shifts
• 4-day working week offering excellent work-life balance
• Closed on Boxing Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter Sunday
• Supportive, professional kitchen environment
• Creative input into seasonal menus and specials
• Staff meals and garden centre discounts
• Opportunity to grow within an established hospitality team

The Role

As Chef, you will take responsibility for running your section efficiently and professionally, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to freshness, flavour, and presentation.

You will work with a menu shaped by the seasons, showcasing high-quality produce wherever possible, while helping maintain the excellent standards our customers expect.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality seasonal dishes to specification
• Take ownership of a designated section during service
• Maintain consistency, portion control, and presentation standards
• Contribute ideas for specials and menu development
• Work efficiently during busy service periods
• Ensure all food meets allergen and dietary requirements

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with daily mise en place and stock rotation
• Ensure your section is fully prepared for service
• Monitor stock levels and communicate requirements
• Support cost control and waste reduction
• Assist across sections when required

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain excellent food hygiene and safety standards
• Follow HACCP procedures and company policies
• Ensure correct storage, labelling, and dating of food
• Keep work areas clean, safe, and organised
• Support cleaning schedules and closing procedures

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Support junior team members where needed
• Communicate clearly with senior chefs
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in a professional kitchen (Commis or Chef de Partie level)
• Strong cooking skills with excellent attention to detail
• Passion for fresh, seasonal food
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Good organisational skills
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards
• Reliable, punctual, and team-focused

Desirable

• Experience in café, restaurant, or garden centre dining
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Interest in modern British seasonal cuisine
• Confidence running a section independently

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about food and proud of their craft
• Creative, energetic, and full of ideas
• Calm, focused, and dependable
• Friendly and professional in a customer-facing environment
• Motivated to maintain high standards every day