Take-away food shops

Job Title: Head Chef Company: JW HINCKLEY LTD (Trading as Jade Wok) Location: 45 Atkins Way, Burbage, Hinckley, LE10 2PH Salary: £39000-£45000 per annum (depending on experience) Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week Job Description – Head Chef (Chinese Cuisine) We are seeking an experienced and skilled Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our established and popular Chinese takeaway, Jade Wok, located in Hinckley, Leicestershire. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management of the kitchen operation, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality Cantonese-style takeaway food, in line with the brand’s reputation. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Plan and design seasonal menus tailored to customer demand, incorporating a wide range of traditional Chinese dishes such as Sweet & Sour, Black Bean, Szechuan, Satay, Oyster Sauce, Cantonese-style stir-fry dishes, fried rice, chow mein, and curry-based items; Supervise the daily operation of the kitchen, ensuring efficient production and timely order fulfilment in a high-volume takeaway environment; Lead on the recruitment, training, and performance management of junior kitchen staff; Implement and monitor food quality standards and ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and portioning across all menu items; Provide on-site coaching in key Chinese cooking techniques such as high-temperature wok stir-frying, deep frying, red braising, oil velveting, steaming and soup-making, to maintain traditional culinary standards; Oversee kitchen hygiene and food safety compliance in accordance with UK regulations (including HACCP), and maintain proper records; Manage food cost controls including stock procurement, supplier negotiation, inventory control and waste reduction; Collaborate with business owners and front-of-house staff to improve customer satisfaction and implement feedback-driven menu adjustments. Required Qualifications and Experience: Minimum 5–8 years of experience in professional Chinese kitchens, with at least 2 years in a senior role (Head Chef or Executive Chef); Demonstrable ability to manage a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment and deliver consistent quality; In-depth knowledge of authentic Cantonese cuisine and Chinese cooking techniques; Previous experience in menu design and staff training; Strong understanding of food hygiene regulations and kitchen safety procedures in the UK; Proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese; English communication skills preferred for team coordination.