Job role: Head Chef
Location: Slough
Salary: £44,000 per annum
Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday
Houston & Hawkes are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Head Chef to lead our fantastic catering team, who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients.
This is a great opportunity for a Head Chef to make a name for themselves within the contract catering industry. We'll give you a place to grow and a career to be proud of.
Head Chef Duties:
Overseeing the kitchen team, managing and working closely with other chefs of all levels to ensure all processes in the kitchen run smoothly
Lead the team to use best practice Food Production techniques using the Houston & Hawkes systems and brand standards
Setting up the kitchen, preparing the team for service, and ensuring all ingredients are fresh and in date
Preparing ingredients, designing seasonal menu items, controlling and directing the food preparation process
Approving and polishing dishes before they reach the customer
Focusing on all customers including guests, staff and visitors & meeting dietary and allergen requirements whilst ensuring quality of food and service
Accountable for stock flow and rotation of product within the unit
Responsible for all aspects of food safety, Health & Safety and COSHH
Ensuring that team members are available for their required shifts and that there are enough staff to cover busy periods
Head Chef Requirements:
Proven experience in managing and leading a kitchen team
A genuine passion for food
Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments & innovations
Honesty, transparency and consistency, someone who can gain and hold the respect of other
Personal innovation and passion
Demonstrative customer focus and service skills
Experience of managing an overall budget
Ownership and accountability of the role and that of their team
Computer literate
Ability to work efficiently and competently under pressure
Excellent time management and organisational skills
High level of self-motivation and not constrained by conventional time keeping
Strong ability to increase individual effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
Head Chef Additional Benefits:
Contributary pension scheme
Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme
Life assurance at two times salary
Company events including all company Christmas party
Recognition schemes and people awards
Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave
Day off on your birthday
Referral bonuses
Training and development opportunities
Who We Are:
Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and the first certified B Corp catering company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. We operate coffee bars, staff restaurants, and delis, tailored to our clients' hospitality and event needs. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams.
Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth
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