Kitchen Manager/Head Chef

Location: Abergavenny

Reports To: General Manager and Group Development Chef

Company: The Garden Kitchen by Pugh’s

Salary: from £30,000

About The Garden Kitchen

The Garden Kitchen is a family owned lifestyle-focused restaurant and retail brand, combining fresh, seasonal food with thoughtfully curated gifting, food, home, garden, and wellness products. We value sustainability, creativity, and exceptional customer experience across every location.

Position Overview

We are seeking a creative, passionate, and experienced Kitchen Manager/Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and elevate our culinary offerings. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of food trends, innovative plating, and menu development, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and hygiene. You will have full oversight of kitchen operations, from concept creation to execution, team leadership, and cost control, alongside our Group Development Chef.

Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership & Training:

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing kitchen team, ensuring a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and creativity.

• Provide ongoing training in cooking techniques, presentation, and food safety.

• Manage scheduling, performance reviews, and recruitment in collaboration with HR or management.
  

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, presentation, cleanliness, and inventory management.

• Maintain a safe and compliant kitchen environment in accordance with local food safety and hygiene regulations.

• Control food costs and wastage through efficient inventory management and portion control.

Supplier and Cost Management:

• Working alongside our Group Development Chef, you will source high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers and local producers.

• Negotiate pricing and maintain strong vendor relationships.

• Monitor food cost margins, ensuring profitability without compromising on quality.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure every dish meets the company’s standards of taste, presentation, and consistency.

• Conduct regular quality checks and tasting sessions with the kitchen team

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced, high-end kitchen.

• Strong culinary background with formal training (Culinary degree or equivalent preferred).

• Excellent leadership and organisational skills.

• Deep understanding of international cuisines and modern cooking techniques.

• Proficient in kitchen administration: budgeting, stock control, food cost analysis.

• Ability to inspire creativity and innovation in the kitchen.

• Strong commitment to hygiene and safety regulations.

• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to make decisions quickly and efficiently.

• Creativity in menu planning and food presentation.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work weekends and bank holidays and event evenings.

• Work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and creative working environment

• Staff discounts and lifestyle perks

• The chance to be part of a mission-driven brand rooted in community and sustainability

TO APPLY PLEASE SEND YOUR CV & COVERLETTER TO - abergavenny@pughsgardenkitchen.co.uk