Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Location: Godalming, Surrey
Salary: £31,000 - £32,000
Hours: 42.5 hours per week - daytime hours (8am-5pm) - alternate weekends
About the Role
We're looking for a Head Chef (titled Kitchen Manager internally) to lead the kitchen team within a well-established garden centre restaurant/cafe.
This is a daytime-hours role offering genuine work-life balance, working 8am-5pm on a structured rota. You'll have full responsibility for the kitchen team and day-to-day running of the back of house operation.
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
We know how important balance is, especially in hospitality, and this role is designed with that firmly in mind:
No Evening Shifts:Your evenings are your own - no late nights or split shifts.
Family-Friendly Holidays:Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so you can properly switch off and enjoy time at home.
Excellent Benefits Package:Includes lifestyle and retail discounts, health cash plans, and generous staff discounts.
Free On-Site Parking:Easy, stress-free commuting.
Ample Time Off:A full-time, permanent role with a strong focus on wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage a kitchen team of 4-6 chefs plus kitchen porters.
Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring service runs smoothly and efficiently.
Manage ordering, stock takes, and kitchen controls.
Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and consistency.
Provide clear direction and leadership to a team that needs structure and motivation.
Add to menu through occasional specials.
What We're Looking For
Head Chef background preferred, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
Confident leader - someone who can take charge, set standards and lead a team that needs direction.
Organised and commercially aware, with experience managing stock and kitchen processes.
Perks & Benefits
Daytime hours (8am-5pm)
Structured rota with alternate weekends
Supportive senior management team
Skilled team beneath you
Free onsite parking, staff discounts
Immediate start available
What's Next?
To apply, please send your CV to (url removed)
Or call (phone number removed) for a confidential chat about the role