961812: Head Chef to Lead Kitchen at Hotel in Thatcham, UK

Role: Head Chef
Location: Thatcham, UK
Salary: Up to £45,000
Work Type: 45 hours per week
Start Date: Asap
Overview 
We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a stunning hotel. You’ll be responsible for overseeing breakfast, banqueting and event catering, managing and developing the kitchen team, creating cost-effective menus, and ensuring exceptional food quality across every service. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate leader to make an impact in a fast-paced hotel environment while driving high standards and kitchen performance.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and manage the kitchen team, ensuring a positive working environment and consistently high standards.
• Develop seasonal menus, cost dishes effectively and monitor food margins to maximise profitability.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of breakfast, banqueting and event catering, ensuring smooth service and exceptional quality.
• Manage stock control, ordering, stock takes and kitchen budgets while minimising waste and controlling costs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality ingredients and competitive pricing.
• Create and manage kitchen rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels to meet the demands of breakfast and event service.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene and allergen regulations, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Drive high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency across all breakfast, banqueting and event operations.

Candidate Requirements 

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and manage a kitchen team.
• Experience creating menus while managing food costs and gross profit targets.
• Good understanding of stock control, ordering, budgeting and stock takes.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Experience delivering breakfast, banquet and event catering to a high standard.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen regulations.
• Experience working with a wide range of cuisines while maintaining consistent quality.

Benefits 

• Competitive Salary
• Discounted food and beverage 
• Company Pension Scheme
• 28 days annual holidays