£28000–£30500 yearly
Full-time
Watford
Head Chef Company: Unit Vii Location: Moor Park Industrial Centre, Tolpits Lane, Watford / Rickmansworth, WD18 9SP Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: £28,000–£30,500 per annum + TIPS Hours: 35 hours per week Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (No late nights!) About Us: Unit Vii is a unique, car-themed artisan coffee shop and community hub located in Watford/Rickmansworth. Known for our incredible industrial-chic vibe, classic cars, specialty coffee, and our famous "SMASHRAPS", we provide a high-energy, friendly, and visually stunning environment. We are looking for an organized, hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. If you are looking for a leadership role that offers a phenomenal work-life balance with absolutely no late-night shifts, this is the perfect opportunity. The Role: As our Head Chef, you will take full ownership of our daytime kitchen operations and service. Because we employ a dedicated, full-time Prep Chef, your day-to-day prep requirements are minimal. This allows you to focus your energy on leading the kitchen line, managing speed of service during rush hours, maintaining quality control, and overseeing the management side of a clean, compliant kitchen. Key Responsibilities: • Oversee daily kitchen operations and lead the line during peak fast-casual food service., • Manage and work alongside your full-time Prep Chef to ensure kitchen stations are set up for smooth service., • Ensure every dish meets our standards for presentation, speed, and flavor consistency., • Take full accountability for kitchen hygiene, health and safety, and food safety standards (HACCP/COSHH regulations), keeping everything up to a strict 5-star standard., • Manage stock control, supplier ordering, portion control, and food waste., • Collaborate closely with management and front-of-house staff to maintain a positive, fast-paced team culture. What We Are Looking For: • Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or strong Sous Chef looking to take the next step., • Experience in a fast-casual, high-volume environment (café, deli, or casual dining background is ideal)., • An organized manager who can keep a streamlined menu running smoothly with minimal fuss., • Strong leadership capabilities with excellent communication skills., • A valid Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 preferred, Level 2 required)., • A reliable professional who is fully committed to a Wednesday to Sunday daytime routine. Benefits: • Competitive salary (£28,000–£30,500 per annum depending on experience)., • Share of tips on top of your base salary., • Incredible work-life balance: Daytime hours only (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). No late evenings or split shifts!, • Free meals and premium artisan coffee on shift., • A supportive, creative, and unique working environment.
