Head Chef

Head Chef | Garden Centre | Surrey

Salary: 31,000 - 32,000

We're on the lookout for a confident and passionate Head Chef to lead our client's restaurant kitchen within a busy and welcoming garden centre environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on cooking while also leading a small team, maintaining standards, and creating great food - all with a healthy work-life balance.

Why This Role Is a Great Fit

We know how important balance is, especially in hospitality, and this role is designed with that firmly in mind:

• No Evening Shifts: Your evenings are your own - no late nights or split shifts.
• Family-Friendly Holidays: Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so you can properly switch off and enjoy time at home.
• Excellent Benefits Package: Includes lifestyle and retail discounts, health cash plans, and generous staff discounts.
• Free On-Site Parking: Easy, stress-free commuting.
• Ample Time Off: A full-time, permanent role with a strong focus on wellbeing.

Who We're Looking For

This role would suit an experienced Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up. You'll be someone who leads by example, enjoys working with fresh ingredients, and takes pride in running an organised, positive kitchen.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Leading the kitchen team day-to-day, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Preparing and delivering fresh, high-quality dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Managing stock control, ordering, and minimising waste.
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene, health & safety, and cleanliness standards.
• Supporting, training, and motivating the kitchen team.
• Overseeing end-of-day close-downs and ensuring the kitchen is ready for the next service.

What You'll Bring

You're not just looking for another kitchen role - you want responsibility, stability, and the chance to make your mark. Ideally, you'll have:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• A genuine passion for fresh, quality food.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, compliance, and kitchen standards.
• The ability to lead calmly and positively in a busy environment.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Flexibility to work weekends as part of a rota.

Why Join Us?

This isn't your typical hospitality role. You'll enjoy daytime hours, a supportive working environment, and the chance to lead a kitchen without the usual late nights and burnout. It's a role where your contribution is genuinely valued.

What's Next?

If you'd like an informal chat about the role, feel free to call me, Michail, on (phone number removed), email (url removed), or send me a quick message on LinkedIn.