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.
In this role, 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.
We offer:
1. Salary of £26,000 per annum
2. Sociable hours (daytime only)
3. No split shifts
4. Full training
5. Online Learning Hub
6. Employee discount of 20%
7. Discount of 50% on restaurant menu whilst on shift
8. 31 days annual leave (pro-rata if part time)
9. Free on-site parking
10. Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for both you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal and personal/family matters
11. Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date with Company)
12. Free access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and coupons, plus extra cashback on your Amazon and food shop
13. Free entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey and deals at other gardens nationally
You will be joining a renowned and established family business of over 150 years, working in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing bunch of people. We also place great value on all our team members and how they contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our Company.
Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right to work status.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.