What core responsibilities should be listed in a Head Chef job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Head Chef Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a prestigious restaurant serving 250+ covers daily with emphasis on innovative cuisine, exceptional quality, and culinary excellence. Our head chef leads the entire kitchen operation, setting culinary standards while managing a talented brigade of 15+ kitchen professionals. This executive role combines creative culinary leadership with business management, overseeing menu development, cost control, and kitchen operations while maintaining our reputation for outstanding food quality. You'll work in a state-of-the-art kitchen with premium equipment and ingredients, leading culinary innovation and staff development. The position offers exceptional opportunities for culinary recognition, business involvement, and potential partnership opportunities within our expanding restaurant group, with influence over menu development, supplier relationships, and culinary direction.
• Lead comprehensive kitchen operations including menu planning, recipe development, and culinary standards implementation • Manage entire kitchen brigade including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management of all kitchen staff • Develop innovative seasonal menus balancing creativity, cost effectiveness, and guest appeal • Oversee food cost management including purchasing, portion control, waste reduction, and profit margin optimization • Ensure exceptional food quality and presentation standards across all dishes and service periods • Manage supplier relationships, ingredient sourcing, and quality control for all kitchen deliveries • Implement and maintain HACCP, food safety, and kitchen hygiene protocols throughout operations • Coordinate with front-of-house management on service flow, special dietary requirements, and guest expectations • Handle kitchen administration including budgeting, reporting, inventory management, and cost analysis • Lead menu engineering, pricing strategies, and dish development for optimal profitability • Manage equipment maintenance, kitchen organization, and workflow optimization for maximum efficiency • Represent restaurant at industry events, supplier meetings, and culinary competitions
Essential Skills: Exceptional culinary expertise across multiple cuisine styles and advanced cooking techniques; proven leadership experience managing large kitchen teams and complex operations; strong business acumen including food costing, P&L management, and financial accountability; comprehensive knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and kitchen management systems; outstanding organizational abilities for menu planning, inventory management, and operational coordination; excellent communication skills for team leadership, supplier negotiations, and stakeholder management. Preferred Qualifications: Formal culinary education from recognized institution; 5+ years head chef or executive chef experience in similar volume establishments; wine and beverage knowledge for menu pairing and development; experience with kitchen technology, inventory systems, and cost management software; additional culinary certifications and specialized training; media experience for restaurant promotion and culinary representation.
We're looking for accomplished culinary professionals with minimum 5 years head chef or senior sous chef experience, demonstrating exceptional cooking skills, proven leadership ability, and comprehensive understanding of kitchen business operations. Candidates must possess extensive culinary knowledge, creative menu development experience, and successful track record managing large kitchen teams while achieving financial targets and maintaining exceptional quality standards. This executive position offers significant culinary autonomy, business partnership opportunities, and potential equity participation in restaurant success. Career advancement includes multi-site culinary director roles, restaurant ownership opportunities, and involvement in new concept development within our hospitality group.
We're looking for someone who combines exceptional culinary creativity with strong business leadership, inspiring teams while driving culinary innovation and operational excellence. You should possess clear culinary vision, ability to develop signature dishes, and skill in building cohesive kitchen culture. The ideal candidate will have entrepreneurial mindset for menu development, analytical approach to cost management, and commitment to continuous culinary improvement. You should be passionate about ingredient quality, seasonal cooking, and creating memorable dining experiences while maintaining profitable operations. We value culinary integrity, innovative thinking, and collaborative leadership, seeking someone who elevates our culinary reputation while developing team capabilities and achieving business objectives.
Competitive executive salary of £45,000-£55,000 annually plus substantial performance bonus structure based on food costs, kitchen efficiency, and guest satisfaction (potential additional £8,000-£12,000 annually). Comprehensive executive benefits package includes: professional development budget for culinary education, competitions, and industry events; 32 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays and professional time; health and dental insurance including family coverage. Executive opportunities including potential restaurant partnership, equity participation in business growth, and involvement in new venture development. Culinary competition support, supplier relationship benefits, and industry networking opportunities through our established culinary partnerships and reputation.

When writing a job description for a Head Chef, it's important to include responsibilities that cover the entire scope of kitchen operations. Typically, this includes menu planning, team management, and overseeing kitchen processes. This ensures candidates understand the breadth of the role and can gauge if they're a good fit.

Common misunderstanding: A Head Chef's role is only about cooking.

While cooking is a significant part of the job, a Head Chef also needs to manage the kitchen staff, plan menus, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Their role is both creative and administrative.

Common misunderstanding: The job description should only list basic tasks.

A detailed job description should go beyond basic tasks and include responsibilities like managing food cost, ensuring quality control, and developing team skills. This clarity helps attract candidates who are ready for a comprehensive leadership role.

How can I organise the major tasks in a Head Chef job description effectively?

Organising the major tasks in a Head Chef job description can be done by categorising them into three main areas: culinary innovation and menu development, leadership and team management, and operational efficiency and quality assurance. This structured approach helps candidates quickly understand the key areas they will be responsible for.

Common misunderstanding: All tasks should be listed in a single section.

Listing all tasks together without categorisation can overwhelm candidates and obscure the structure of the role. Organising tasks into categories makes the job description clearer and more approachable.

Common misunderstanding: Detailed categorisation is unnecessary in a job description.

Detailed categorisation not only helps potential candidates understand their responsibilities better but also aids in setting clear expectations for the role. It ensures that all aspects of the job are covered, from creativity in the kitchen to managing the team and operations.

Why is it important to detail both culinary and management duties in a Head Chef job description?

Detailing both culinary and management duties in a Head Chef job description is crucial because it highlights the dual nature of the role. Candidates need to know that they are expected to excel in creative food preparation as well as in leading and managing a kitchen team. This dual focus ensures the smooth operation of the kitchen and the maintenance of high standards.

Common misunderstanding: Management skills are not as important as culinary skills for a Head Chef.

While culinary expertise is essential, management skills are equally important for a Head Chef. They must be able to lead a team, manage kitchen operations, and handle administrative tasks effectively.

Common misunderstanding: A Head Chef primarily works alone.

A Head Chef is often seen as the leader of the kitchen, requiring them to work closely with both kitchen staff and the management team. They must communicate effectively, manage staff, and coordinate with other departments to ensure a seamless dining experience.