steel pans hanging up in commercial kitchen

A day in the life of a Head Chef at Harvester

A day in the life of a Head Chef at Harvester

Scott Neilson our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 17/06/2024

What are some of the first things that spring to mind when you hear Harvester? Rotisserie chicken? Unlimited salad bars? How about kitchen jobs? If you haven’t thought about bringing your kitchen career to Harvester, let us tell you why it could be a great move.

We spoke to two of our Head Chefs, Carl (below) and Indie, who have an eye for detail and are passionate about all things food, and they told us about what their days look like during a busy service.

1. Is there such a thing as a 'typical' day for you, and if so, what does it look like?

Carl : ‘Each day can be different in a Harvester kitchen, primarily I’ll be on the cook line but my duties on a daily basis could consist of a mixture of things stretching from coaching/training team to putting a delivery away.’

Indie : ‘There’s no such thing as a typical day, but that’s why I like what I do. A few responsibilities of a kitchen manager include:

● Check the kitchen after the previous night’s close down

● Fix any broken items or contact the engineers

● Make sure the grill line is set up for every service

● Call our supplier to sort out any missing items

● Check the stock and place food orders

● Close down the kitchen

● And so much more!

2. Are there any moments that stand out in your KM career at M&B?

Carl : ‘I think the day I became a fully Accredited Kitchen Manager stands out for me. I had only been a KM for 27 months approx. before I earned my accreditation.’

Indie : ‘There are lots of things that I could mention, including training my team and external KMs & General Managers (GMs) for which they sent me a gift and thank you cards. I’ve received some lovely guest feedback. For example, one little girl gave me an Easter card.

Ultimately, working very busy days with a small team to achieve my goal of making guests happy is like getting an endorphin rush without going to the gym.’

3. What are the most important lessons/skills you've learnt during your KM career?

Carl : ‘I think for me the biggest lesson is learning to manage different individuals accordingly based on their skill set and personality. Not one team member is the same so the ability to adapt is key when needing to talk to them for whatever the reason may be.’

Indie : ‘Overtime like everyone I’ve learned from mistakes. I do think it’s important to give things a try or to look or ask for help.’

4. Do you think working in a kitchen is for everyone, or are some people made for it?

Carl : ‘I do feel some people are better suited than others for the pressures that a kitchen environment can throw at you. However, I’ve seen first-hand that with a little patience people DO have the ability to shine through, despite potential doubts initially.’

Indie : ‘It might not be for everyone. What you will need is a passion for food and cooking and a love for new challenges every day.’

5. If someone was thinking about applying for a Kitchen Manager job at M&B, what advice would you give to them?

Carl : ‘I would always advise listening to the team already in place, they may not always be right with some of what they are saying but still important to gauge their approach as this team is what will help move yourself and the business forward given the right direction.’

Indie : ‘DO IT - it’s challenging but very rewarding!’

6. Who would be your dream dinner guest and what would you cook for them?

Carl : ‘Tom Cruise, I would pay for someone to cook for us, so I get to spend more time talking to him at the table.’

Indie : ‘This is coming from the heart… It would have to be my father & my grandmother who are sadly not with us anymore or never got to see how well I am doing in my life. I’d cook what I do every day: Harvester food (steak & salmon)!’

Looking for your next kitchen to cook up a storm in?

At Harvester, we’re on the lookout for Head Chefs to add to our growing teams. With a big dollop of determination, a splash of help from our award-winning training, and a pint-full of positivity, we can take your career to the next level.

Browse our available head chef jobs today or find out more about jobs at Harvester today.

List #1

Some articles you might like

rising star - general managers at M&B
Essential skills for becoming a successful General Manager at M&B

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

Thinking about becoming a General Manager? Here’s what you’ll need to succeed The path to becoming a General Manager is as rewarding as it is challenging, but success doesn’t happen by chance.  I

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

General Manager of the year awards - three people smiling on stage
Celebrating M&B’s General Managers of the Year: Inspiring Stories of Growth and Success

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.  We believe in celebrating su

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of kayleigh
How a temporary Christmas job at M&B kickstarted Kayleigh’s career in hospitality

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

two men and one woman working in a kitchen in their chef whites and smiling
Everything you need to know about being a Kitchen Manager at the different M&B brands

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to lead a buzzing kitchen team, create memorable dining experiences, and make your mark in hospitality, you’re in the right place.  To give you a better ide

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of hala
Home and away, the job that's here to stay: M&B’s university transfer scheme

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country!  We know that having a pub job at uni is the best

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

waiting staff greeting guests at M&B - customer service in hospitality
Crafting memorable moments: The importance of customer service at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of bar staff serving drinks with a smile
From serving to socialising: Why Bar jobs in London are a great choice

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

So, you're thinking about a bar job in London? Let me tell you, it's not just a job – it's a lifestyle upgrade!  Picture this: every shift is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and ex

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

image of part-time staff holding drinks tray
Looking for a part-time job? Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

What is a part-time job?A part-time job is pretty much what it sounds like—a role where you work fewer hours than a full-time position.  For anyone looking to earn some extra income, balance work

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Christian from Stonehouse
Can you go from Chef to General Manager? Yes, you can!

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees.  We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Chef Apprenticeship

Salary

£258.00 - 343.20 per week

Location

Browns - Beaconsfield, HP9 1LW

Departments

Chef Apprenticeships

Hours

Full Time

Brand

Browns

Description

As an apprentice Chef at Browns, we will help you master our menu, with your food being the reason guests keep coming through our doors! You'll thrive off the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced kitchen

Reference

VA/243151

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Head Chef

Salary

Up to £40000.00 per annum plus bonus

Location

Warren, Forest Rd, Wokingham RG40 5SB, UK

Departments

Head Chef-Kitchen Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Regional role

Brand

Premium Country Pubs

Location

Wokingham

Description

As Head Chef at the Warren you'll lead the way in creating a kitchen to be proud of. You’ll be inspiring your team, instilling the passion that ensures all the food that leaves the kitchen is of the h

Reference

2349930

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Sophie Russell Apply Add to shortlist
Head Chef - Live in

Salary

Up to £42000.00 per annum plus bonus, plus live in accommodation

Location

Belvedere Arms, London Rd, Ascot SL5 7SB, UK

Departments

Head Chef-Kitchen Manager

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Regional role

Brand

Premium Country Pubs

Location

Sunninghill

Description

As Head Chef at the Belvedere Arms you'll lead the way in creating a kitchen to be proud of. You’ll be inspiring your team, instilling the passion that ensures all the food that leaves the kitchen is

Reference

2349935

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Sophie Russell Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search