Head Chef - Contract Catering - Helston - £16.21p/h

🍽️ Head Chef - Culinary Team Leader

📍 Location: Helston

💼 Full-Time | 40 hours/week | 52.2 weeks/year

💰 Salary: £33,721 per annum

Are you a passionate and experienced culinary professional ready to lead a dynamic kitchen team? We're looking for a Head Chef to manage operations across one kitchen serving two dining rooms, delivering high-quality meals and exceptional service.

🔍 Role Overview

As Head Chef, you'll oversee the preparation and service of three meals daily, catering to:

• Weekdays:
  • Breakfast: ~80 covers
  • Lunch: ~250 covers
  • Evening Meal: ~150 covers
• Weekends: Under 30 covers per meal

Meal Service Times

Monday-Friday

• Breakfast: 06:45 - 08:15
• Lunch: 11:00 - 13:15
• Evening Meal: 17:00 - 19:00
• Bar Meal Service: 19:00 - 21:15

Weekend

• Breakfast: 07:00 - 08:00
• Lunch: 11:00 - 12:30
• Evening Meal: 17:00 - 18:30

Shift Pattern (5 days over 7):

• Early: 05:00 - 13:30
• Late: 15:00 - 19:30

Shifts will be scheduled across weekdays and weekends, depending on the needs of the business.

You'll also lead the planning and execution of formal functions (up to 200 guests), fine dining events, and large-scale catering (BBQs/buffets for 500-1000 guests).

🧑‍🍳 Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 6 chefs and 3 kitchen porters
• Plan production numbers using cyclic menus and place orders with approved suppliers
• Maintain budget control for food spend and gross profit
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, allergen regulations, and health & safety standards
• Manage rotas to stay within budgeted hours while ensuring full shift coverage
• Balance office duties with hands-on kitchen leadership
• Conduct audits, manage stock, and support HR tasks including recruitment and training

✅ Essential Qualities

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a similar leadership role
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Flexibility to work 5 out of 7 days, including evenings and weekends as required

Ready to take the lead in a fast-paced, rewarding culinary environment?

Apply now and bring your expertise to a team that values quality, creativity, and collaboration.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.