Job Description

Head Chef - Daytime Hours

Chenies Garden Centre, Buckinghamshire

We are seeking a skilled and motivated

Head Chef

to lead the kitchen team in our busy, well-regarded cafe at Chenies Garden Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who values work-life balance, creativity, and a friendly working environment.

About the Role:

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the cafe kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene, and team performance. You will lead on menu development, stock control, kitchen organisation, and staff training, while actively cooking alongside your team.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the preparation and service of fresh, seasonal dishes Develop and update menus in line with customer preferences and trends Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety Manage ordering, stock control, and costings to minimise waste and control margins Train, supervise, and support kitchen staff Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations, even during busy periods Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure excellent service

What We Offer:

Daytime shifts only

- no late evenings

Fixed closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday

Regular weekends off on a rota A collaborative and supportive working environment Competitive salary based on experience Opportunity to shape the food offering at a well-established, popular cafe

About You:

Proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role Confident in leading a small team and managing kitchen operations Strong knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations Passionate about food, presentation, and customer experience Organised, reliable, and able to work calmly under pressure
If you're ready to bring your experience and creativity to a vibrant daytime kitchen with no late nights and a real focus on quality, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Chenies HC