So you want to dive into the world of head chefs and unravel what goes on behind the scenes?

Gone are the days when Ratatouille was our go-to kitchen reference. Nowadays, with a smorgasbord of films and shows showcasing chef life, it's easy to imagine the kitchen hustle.

But, those glimpses barely scratch the surface of what a head chef truly does. We want you to know exactly what's in store for you as a head chef so we're breaking it down into some of the main responsibilities.

While each kitchen dances to its unique rhythm, some things remain true no matter what. Let's uncover the head chef responsibilities you'll find in any role, no matter what kitchen you step into.

Guiding the kitchen symphony

As a head chef, you're the culinary maestro behind everything that waltzes out of the kitchen - be it the side serving of chips or the daily special.

It's your symphony to conduct, ensuring every dish hits the high notes! That means orchestrating your chefs working different areas of the kitchen to come together at the right time to deliver their own contribution to the dish. It’s all about knowing exactly when to swoop in and assist or when to let your junior chefs spread their wings and ace it on their own.

Building and nurturing team spirit

We're not saying it's solely on your shoulders to keep the team revved up at all times. But let's face it, there'll be those days when the squad needs that extra boost to power through the orders and those moments in a shift where everyone needs bringing together.

And oh yes, there'll definitely be times when someone's gotta sprinkle a bit of humour and remind everyone that work's about having a laugh while getting things done. That's where you come in!

Don't forget, you'll have a crew that's got your back, ready to give you that boost when you need it too.

It's not just about the food

Imagining a head chef in action, what springs to mind? We'll bet it involves the sizzle of cooking or the flair of managing. And yes, those are the main responsibilities we've highlighted above. But hey, there's a whole spice rack more to this job!

Health and safety will be a known domain for you, delivering top notch hygiene standards (and team training!) like a pro. Your mission? Keeping both your team in the kitchen and the guests in the restaurant safe at all times.

Then comes the logistical juggling act—food ordering, prep mastery, and stock control. This is where you make sure your kitchen assistants and sous chefs have all the fixings to dish out plate after plate of pure deliciousness whilst playing your part in delivering a profit for the business.

But you won't be going it alone

When we break it down like that, you see there's a lot to the role. That's great if you're the kind who craves a job that keeps them moving. And sure, it's a job that will keep you on your toes, but that doesn't mean you're the solo act carrying the whole show.

Remember, the kitchen is a place where teams are made. People step in as individuals and quickly find their rhythm in the kitchen symphony.

Ready to apply for a head chef job?

So, the idea of stepping into a head chef role has got your taste buds tingling, and you know you've got the skills to spice things up. What's holding you back?

Now, we get it—finding the perfect position might seem like hunting for the perfect recipe. But honestly, it's not as tricky as it seems. Chef roles come in all flavours. Can you picture yourself in a cosy countryside pub, your local go-to pizza place, or a buzzing city restaurant? Well, those are all options at M&B.

With 13 unique brands and nearly 1,600 businesses dotted across the UK, your ideal head chef job could be easier to find than you think. Want to know the best part? All our live roles are waiting for you on our head chef vacancy page, and we've made it easy for you by adding the option to narrow your search by postcode. Simply drop yours in, set your travel radius, and all the relevant roles will be served right up!