We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef to join our team at one of our conference & events venues in Oxford OX1 3RG.
Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.
We are a fresh, food-led operation open seven days a week, welcoming an average of 200 guests daily, in addition to providing hospitality services. We take great pride in the high quality of our offering, which includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner services featuring buffets, a salad bar, a grab-and-go section, and freshly baked goods. We also provide daily specials and host fine dining dinners, special events, and themed social gatherings. We place a strong emphasis on guest interaction during service, so you must be personable, approachable, and well presented.
This is a permanent position based on a 40-hour working week. However, we operate a TOIL system to help align workflow and demand with seasonal peaks and troughs. Shifts will be on a rota basis between the hours of 6am and midnight to accommodate special evening events. For this reason, flexibility is essential in this role.
As our Head Chef you will join and head up a talented team of 20 and will work alongside the Executive Head Chef and Operations Manager. You will be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all dishes. You must be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to manage a brigade of chefs across all services. You will be able to support the Executive Head Chef in training and developing the team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Cater to the needs of all customers
2. Be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to assist and manage a team
3. Deliver consistent food standards following the Wilson Vale brand standards.
4. Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative food from around the world to all customers
5. Responsible for food safety, hygiene and Health and Safety both in practice and keeping relevant records
6. Allergy reporting and responsibility for sign-posting to customers
7. Budgeting, ordering, stock taking
8. Training
As our Head Chef you will join and head up a talented team of 20 and will deputise in the Executive Head Chef's absence. You will be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all dishes. You must be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to manage a brigade of chefs across all services. You will be able support the Executive Head Chef in training and developing the team.
You will also be responsible for delivering consistent food standards following both the Wilson Vale brand standards and also adding that additional flair to our services. You will need fresh and current menu ideas and must be able to show flare in your work.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
9. LOVE food, and love working in a team.
10. Positive attitude
11. Have good customer service skills and strong communication skills.
12. Be able to work in a high-pressured environment.
13. Strong premium hospitality experience in another venue
14. Local knowledge and experience working in the area
15. A passion for exceptional service is essential
16. Strong understanding of service styles, food trends
17. Innovation and creativity
18. A passion for training and development
19. Exceptional presentation skills
20. Articulate and very well organised
21. Proactive and reliable
OUR CULTURE:
22. Craft at our core – we pride ourselves on our craft-skilled chefs who create wonderful fresh food from scratch.
23. t’s all about the food – the menu is the most important document our chefs write every week.
24. Quality, seasonal ingredients – 300+ British suppliers and our chefs can source locally.
25. Freedom to create – our teams love to cook up exciting food themes and pop-ups to keep the food fun.
26. Support like no other – our business was founded by family and we have stayed true to those same family values of nurturing development, protecting our values and building trust and loyalty.
27. Making food that not only tastes great but is good for the planet. We have always had a strong environmental ethos and are dedicated to our social and environmental commitments.
28. We believe in tailored training and opportunities to build your career with us.
WILSON VALE PERKS:
29. Our working hours are some of the best you'll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance
30. Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities
31. Craft Works – Free craft-focused career development training programme
32. Paid training bespoke to you
33. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme- your wellbeing is very important to us
34. Online employee benefits scheme - monetary savings on everyday items!
35. Your Birthday off every year after 1 years’ service.
36. Enhanced Maternity Pay