Head Chef

Overview

Job role:

Head Chef

Location:

Epsom

Salary: £44,000-£45,000

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.

• 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
• Constantly innovating with pop ups and street food concepts
• 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

• 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 others
• 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
• 706/2 or NVQ chef qualifications, or equivalent
• Strong ability to increase individual effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training

• 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

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.