Head Chef – Oxfordshire – Award-Winning Restaurant

We’re looking for an ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen at an award-winning restaurant in Oxfordshire.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef who loves working with the best of seasonal local produce.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and candidates must have the right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship. If you require Sponsorship please do not apply, thank you.

Set in a beautiful location, this is an established food destination with a reputation for thoughtful cooking, quality ingredients and a warm, welcoming approach to hospitality. The kitchen makes the most of the seasons, with produce grown in its own substantial kitchen garden alongside carefully sourced ingredients from local suppliers.

What’s on offer?

• Competitive salary package, plus tronc and bonuses
• Genuine creative freedom and input into the menus
• Excellent seasonal produce, including ingredients from the kitchen garden
• Supportive ownership with a real interest in food and hospitality
• The opportunity to lead an established kitchen and develop your brigade
• A varied operation covering restaurant dining, private events, weddings and Sunday lunches
• The chance to make a lasting impact on a respected countryside restaurant

As Head Chef, you’ll take responsibility for the kitchen operation, leading a brigade of five and ensuring the food is consistently excellent across every part of the business. Restaurant service is a big part of the role, but you’ll also oversee private dining, weddings and events, alongside busy Sunday lunches that can reach around 160 covers.

It’s a role that calls for both creativity and sound kitchen management. You’ll need to enjoy developing dishes and working with the seasons, while also understanding the planning, organisation and leadership required to deliver a busy service without compromising on quality.

As Head Chef, you will:

• Lead, motivate and develop a brigade of five, creating a positive and professional kitchen environment
• Develop seasonal menus that make the most of the kitchen garden and excellent local produce
• Bring fresh ideas to the food offering while maintaining consistency and quality
• Oversee restaurant service, private dining, weddings, events and busy Sunday lunches
• Manage kitchen costs, gross profit, stock control and labour
• Build strong relationships with local suppliers and make the most of ingredients at their best
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, organisation and kitchen management
• Train and mentor junior chefs, helping them build their skills and confidence

We’re open to an established Head Chef looking for a role with greater creative input, as well as an accomplished Sous Chef who’s ready to step up. You’ll need a strong fresh-food background, experience managing a busy kitchen and the ability to balance ambitious cooking with the practical demands of a varied operation.

Just as importantly, we’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys being a chef: someone who cares about the food, takes pride in developing their team and wants to create dishes people remember, rather than simply chasing recognition.

If you’re looking for a kitchen where you can take ownership, work with excellent produce and have the support to develop your own ideas, this could be a great next move.

Due to the number of applicants received, unfortunately we are unable to reply individually to each. Should your application be suitable for the role, then you’ll hear from us within 48 hours, thank you.

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