Overview
Join to apply for the Garden Centre Lead Cook role at Hillier Nurseries Ltd. Our Hillier Garden Centre at Botley is a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wide range of plants, gifts and outdoor living products. Our on-site restaurant is a key part of the experience, providing our customers with delicious, freshly prepared meals in a relaxing environment. We are looking for a talented and passionate Lead Cook to join our restaurant team and help create memorable dining experiences for our customers.
As Lead Cook, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality, seasonal dishes while supporting the kitchen team and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. You will take a central position in preparing and cooking fresh, seasonal dishes while supporting the Restaurant Manager in managing the kitchen’s daily operations. You’ll be responsible for maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and helping to create a positive and collaborative working environment. Your contribution will be key to delivering a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience for our guests.
To succeed in this role, you should have proven experience in a similar cooking position, ideally with some leadership responsibilities. A passion for fresh ingredients and seasonal menus is essential, along with strong organisational skills and attention to detail. We’re looking for someone who is a team player, communicates well, and is flexible with working hours, including weekends.
This role is being offered on a full-time, permanent basis of 37.5 hours a week on a rota basis.
Responsibilities
* Prepare and cook fresh, seasonal dishes
* Support the Restaurant Manager in managing daily kitchen operations
* Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety
* Mentor junior kitchen staff and foster a positive team environment
* Collaborate with the kitchen team to deliver a welcoming dining experience for guests
Qualifications
* Proven experience in a similar cooking position
* Leadership experience preferred
* Passion for fresh ingredients and seasonal menus
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
* Team player with good communication and flexibility, including weekends
Benefits and details
* Salary of £26,000 per annum
* Sociable daytime hours; no split shifts
* Full training and Online Learning Hub
* Employee discount of 20%
* Discount of 50% on restaurant menu whilst on shift
* 31 days annual leave (pro-rata if part time)
* Free on-site parking
* Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family
* Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date)
* Exclusive retail discounts and extra cashback on Amazon and grocery shopping
* Free entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and deals at other gardens nationally
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Details
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Restaurants
Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom
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