Head Chef

£38,000 + Excellent Work-Life Balance | 37.5 Hours per Week | Straight Shifts

 

Are you a passionate and experienced Head Chef looking for a role that offers genuine work-life balance without compromising on food quality?

 

We are recruiting for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at a unique and well-respected hospitality and education setting in Mirfield. This is an outstanding opportunity to join an organisation with a strong community ethos, serving freshly prepared, home-cooked meals using quality ingredients.

 

What's on Offer?

• Salary: £38,000
• 37.5 hours per week
• 5 days over 7
• Straight shifts – typically 7am–3pm or 2pm–8pm
• Split shifts and late nights are rarely required
• Excellent work-life balance
• Free parking and easy access from Leeds, Huddersfield, Halifax and Bradford
• Opportunity to work with fresh, seasonal ingredients in a supportive environment

 

The Role

As Head Chef, you'll work closely with the Catering Manager and take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen operation. This is a hands-on position where you'll lead, motivate and develop the catering team while maintaining exceptional food quality and service standards.

You'll be preparing meals for residents, students, staff and visitors, with numbers typically ranging from around 40 covers daily to up to 70 during busy periods and special events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, including cooks and catering assistants
• Prepare high-quality traditional and contemporary dishes using fresh ingredients
• Develop seasonal menus and support a sustainable food offering
• Ensure excellent food hygiene, HACCP and health & safety standards
• Manage stock levels, ordering and portion control
• Support front-of-house food service standards
• Train, mentor and motivate team members
• Deliver high-quality catering for special events and functions

 

About You

We're looking for a chef who can combine strong leadership with a genuine passion for fresh food.

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 in Catering (or equivalent)
• Food Hygiene qualification and good understanding of HACCP
• Experience managing and developing kitchen teams
• Experience in a fast-paced fresh food environment
• Experience with menu planning, cost control and margins
• Function catering experience
• Excellent organisational and communication skills

 

Desirable:

• Stock control system experience
• First Aid, COSHH or Health & Safety training
• Experience managing staffing issues and performance

 

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Head Chef seeking a rewarding role with great hours, straight shifts and a fantastic work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.