Job Description

Otley Garden Centre

is looking for an experienced and driven

Head Chef

to take the reins of our newly refurbished kitchen, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and ready for you to make your mark.

Our busy restaurant serves freshly prepared breakfasts, hearty lunches, and homemade scones to hundreds of guests each week - all within the beautiful surroundings of one of Yorkshire's most popular garden centres.

What You'll Do:

Lead a skilled and motivated kitchen team, including 3 Chefs, a Kitchen Assistants, and Kitchen Porters to deliver consistent, high-quality dishes aligned with our brand standardisation Oversee all kitchen operations including food preparation, cooking, cleanliness, compliance, and kitchen efficiency, ensuring adherence to policy and recipe specification, develop specials and menu items that achieve our pricing strategy Drive quality and consistency using our brand-new equipment and layout designed for high performance Ensure every plate reflects our focus on fresh ingredients freshly cooked, hearty portions and customer satisfaction Maintain excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards Manage stock levels, control costs, and minimise waste Embed the standards and consistency and direction provided by the Catering Manager to ensure smooth and efficient service

This is a hands-on role - be ready to lead from the front, modelling the high standards required, and coaching and mentoring the team to help them reach their full potential. You'll be setting the tone, sharing the energy, and showing how it's done!

About You:

A proven Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with experience in a fast-paced cafe or daytime dining venue Passionate about food quality, consistency and customer experience Strong leadership skills and the ability to coach and motivate a small team Highly organised, efficient, and able to thrive under pressure Up-to-date food hygiene certification (Level 3 preferred) Proficient in stock management, ordering and cost control Positive, hands-on attitude and a strong team ethic

What We Offer:

A brand-new kitchen with modern equipment No evening shifts - a healthy work/life balance Opportunity to lead a growing food offer in a busy, popular venue Discount in the garden centre and restaurant Free on-site parking A friendly, supportive working environment with room for creativity and growth A chance to help shape a much-loved local food offer and influence a growing brand

Successful applicants must apply via our website (You may need to copy and paste the following link into your browser): https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/8e80721f-f3f8-489c-a01a-2afed03515e0/

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,000.00-31,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Application question(s):

What motivated you to apply for this role? Which of our Values can you relate to the most and why? Tell us about any previous experience of managing or supervising others
Licence/Certification:

right to work in the UK? (required)
Work Location: In person