Our client has an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef / Lead Cook to run their kitchen in an established garden centre, offering a competitive salary and benefits package.Job Title: Head Chef / Lead CookLocation: West HorsleySalary: £29,000 per year + Benefits (Listed below)Rota: Full time 42.5 hours per week, alternate weekendsAbout our ClientThey are a family-owned group of 16 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and Berkshire. Since 1936 the purpose of their business has been the happiness of those who work in it.They are committed to growing their business and to promoting the highest standards in horticulture, catering, and retail.Job description Your primary responsibility will be to provide a professional support to the Catering Team, working closely with the Catering Manager to help the department to succeed.Main duties and responsibilities- Managing the kitchen team to produce outstanding food and service through leading the kitchen team- Handling customer queries courteously and efficiently- Understand the business plan and actively participate in delivering relevant goals- Maintain a harmonious and cooperative relationship with customers and staff alike at all times- Carry out all reasonable duties as requested by management as and when required- Producing all food recipes to specification and recording any wastage/shrinkage in accordance with company guidelines- Ensuring that all food is stored to the company’s standards.- Strictly adhering to all relevant food safety and hygiene regulations at all times.- Undertaking any general cleaning requirements of the kitchen and restaurant- Working as part of the catering management team and undertaking any other reasonable duties as and when requiredMust Haves- Love and enthusiasm for food preparation and cooking- Previous experience in lead chef role- Can do attitude and looking for a long term career in cateringRewards & Benefits: Our client want their employees to be known for their friendliness, helpfulness, and good customer service, with their whole ethos being ‘nothing is too much trouble for their customers’. In turn they will provide an extensive benefit package, please see below:- Employee Discount – 50% in Restaurants and 10% in Garden Centre on joining, increasing to 20% after 3 months service, 25% after 2 years’ service and 30% after 5 years’ service.- Holiday (including bank holidays) – 5.6 weeks on joining increasing to 6.2 week after 2 years’ service and 6.6 weeks after 5 years’ service.- Bonus – They reward their employees with a non-contractual bonus at Christmas, based on the profit of the company in any financial year.(first year is dependent on start date.)- Pension – They are all aware of how important it is to save for their retirement. They offer a Defined Contribution Pension Plan to new employees. If you pay into the plan and meet the government criteria, the company will too, and these contributions will be invested.- Attendance – Their employees with 100% attendance in a financial year, are rewarded with Squire’s gift vouchers.- Made A Difference Scheme (M.A.D) – A reward scheme for team members who make a difference to their business through; outstanding customer service, over and above normal duties or initiatives that have grown / inspired the business. There is a monthly winner and a ‘team member of the year’. All winners select a gift to receive.- Learning & Development – You can look forward to a wealth of learning opportunities with them that will enhance and develop you with the skills and confidence you need- Free Parking – Available to all employees in the designated parking areas on their site.Next Steps To apply for our vacancy for a Head Chef / Lead Cook, please click on Apply and upload a copy of your CV.We look forward to hearing from you.