What experience levels should I specify 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 clearly define the experience level required. This helps ensure that the candidates who apply are well-suited for the role and understand what is expected of them. Specify whether the role is junior, experienced, or senior, and outline the specific experiences that are necessary, such as leading a team or managing a busy kitchen.

Common misunderstanding: More years of experience always means a better candidate.

It's not just about the number of years; it's about the relevance and quality of the experience. A candidate with fewer years but more relevant experience might be more suitable than one with many years in less relevant roles.

Common misunderstanding: Any type of kitchen experience is suitable.

Be specific about the type of kitchen or culinary environment the experience must come from, such as a high-volume commercial kitchen or a fine dining setting, to ensure the candidate's background aligns with your needs.

How do I express the kind of experience needed without focusing solely on years in a Head Chef job description?

Focus on the nature of the experience rather than just the duration. Describe the environments in which the candidate should have worked, the types of teams they have led, and the style of cuisine they should be familiar with. This approach helps you attract applicants who are not only experienced but also a good fit for the specific demands of your kitchen.

Common misunderstanding: Stating just "5 years of experience" is enough.

Simply stating the number of years can be misleading. It's more effective to describe what they should have achieved during their experience, such as managing a kitchen during peak dining hours or developing a successful menu.

Common misunderstanding: Detailed experience requirements will limit the number of applicants.

While it might reduce the quantity of applications, it increases the quality and relevance of candidates who apply, saving time and resources in the hiring process.

Should I mention mentoring opportunities in a Head Chef role description, and how do I do it effectively?

Yes, mentioning mentoring opportunities can attract candidates who are looking for growth and learning in their career. Clearly state if the role includes mentoring junior staff or if the candidate will have access to mentoring from senior figures. This can be a major draw for both experienced chefs looking to give back and for those seeking to develop their skills under the guidance of a seasoned professional.

Common misunderstanding: Mentoring is only for junior roles.

Mentoring can be beneficial at all levels as it helps in the continuous development of skills and leadership qualities. It's important to highlight that mentoring opportunities are available to the Head Chef role, not just the junior staff.

Common misunderstanding: Mentoring opportunities mean less responsibility.

On the contrary, providing or receiving mentoring is a responsibility that contributes to the overall success and growth of the kitchen team. It should be seen as an enhancement to the role, not a reduction of responsibilities.