Head Chef

Job details
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Job type

Full-time
Shift and schedule

Weekend availability

Monday to Friday

Holidays
 
Location
Cambridge
 
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
Referral programme
 
Full job description
Job Ref: UNI1355
Branch: Parker's Tavern
Location: Parker's Tavern, Cambridge
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 42.5
Posted date: 26/05/2025
Closing date: 28/06/2025

ABOUT US

University Arms is a 1+2-bedroom design-led Hotel situated in the heart of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Overlooking Parker’s Piece is the Hotel’s quintessentially British Restaurant and Bar, Parker’s Tavern, Library Lounge and beautiful wood panelled Ballroom.

Opened in 1834 as a Coaching Inn, University Arms is Cambridge’s oldest Hotel. For 180 years, the Hotel was added to, updated and modernised in the line with the age, however, it was the reopening in 2018 after a four-year £80m full renovation that really positioned the Hotel. It is now Cambridge's go to’ destination, alluring visitors with the promise of a sense of modern luxury.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Reporting to the General Manager, as Head Chef, you will lead, be hands-on and inspire our kitchen brigade in creating culinary dishes that meet the Company's standards and ensure guest satisfaction. You will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, people management, supplier management, inventory control, monitoring and controlling the budget, and ensuring food quality and hygiene standards are consistently met. The role requires strong leadership.

DUTIES

Responsible for ensuring that the Kitchen team consistently delivers exceptional food service, putting the guest at the heart of all activities.
Create, implement, and enforce processes to run an effective and efficient kitchen while maintaining the highest level of standards, food quality, and maximise margins to increase profits without sacrificing taste, guest experience and reputation.
Ensure teamwork and synergy exists between the front and back of the house through proper communication to ensure smooth service and kitchen operations.
Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and coordinate food production activities.
Monitor food preparation to ensure consistency and compliance with recipes and portioning.
Enforce hygiene, health, and safety regulations in the kitchen.
Conduct regular checks and ensure kitchen areas meet food safety standards.
Manage stock levels, order supplies, and monitor inventory to reduce waste and control food costs.
Maintain accurate records of food purchases, inventory, and usage.
Schedule shifts and manage labour costs effectively against the business forecast.
Maintain daily checklists to support expected business levels, production, orders, special requests, events, dietary restrictions, and allergy procedures.
Always look for ways to develop the offering, focusing on KPIs and delivery of standards.
This is not a + to 5, Monday to Friday desk-based role, so working with the team, working in the evening, at weekends and on public holidays is an expectation of the role.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU

Minimum 5 year’s experience in a similar role within a busy luxury hotel setting or brasserie-style concept.
British, traditional, and locally inspired culinary portfolio.
Proven experience in managing, coaching, and developing teams, and you will enjoy motivating others to be their best, achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.
Excellent communication skills Fluent English required
In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
You’re not precious. We leave our egos at the door and work as a team to get stuff done.
An ability to manage the budget on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. You’ll be expected to report results with a granular understanding of the ongoing trends of the business.
THE PERKS

As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team in an exceptional property, the position comes with:

Competitive salary
Free meals on duty
Team Member Parties
Excellent Rooms and FB discounts across Marriott Internationals 8,000+ Hotels.
Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £400 for referring them!
RIGHT TO WORK

In line with the requirements of UK immigration legislation, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documentary evidence of eligibility to work will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Why work at University Arms and Parker’s Tavern?

We are passionate about Cambridge’s heritage, and want to share that with our guests in a context that is contemporary, thoughtful and engaging. We deliver an experience of considered modern luxury, and take pride in our work. If you are enthusiastic about your city and your work in the hospitality sector you will find working at the University Arms truly rewarding.