We are seeking an experienced, organised, and hands-on Production Head Chef to lead the daily operations of our Central Production Unit (CPU). The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing food production, ensuring consistency and quality across all products supplied to our outlets, managing food costs, controlling inventory, leading the production team, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety and operational efficiency. This is a working leadership role that requires the Production Head Chef to actively participate in food production while managing the overall operation.

Role Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Production Head Chef is to manage all food production within the Central Production Unit, ensuring that products are prepared safely, efficiently, and consistently to company standards. The role is responsible for production planning, stock management, supplier coordination, food cost control, quality assurance, labour management, and maintaining compliance with food safety regulations while ensuring all outlets receive the required products on time.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the daily operations of the Central Production Unit, ensuring efficient production and timely distribution to all company outlets.
Work hands-on in the production kitchen, supporting the team and ensuring production targets are achieved.
Plan and manage daily, weekly, and seasonal production schedules based on operational demand.
Ensure all recipes, batch sizes, and production methods are followed consistently to maintain product quality.
Develop and improve recipes and production processes to increase efficiency while maintaining company standards.
Calculate, monitor, and control food costs, ensuring minimal waste and maximum profitability.
Manage production labour costs by preparing and monitoring staff rosters in line with operational requirements.
Monitor inventory levels and ensure sufficient stock is available to meet production requirements.
Order ingredients and production supplies while maintaining appropriate stock levels and reducing unnecessary waste.
Build and maintain strong relationships with food suppliers, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely deliveries.
Conduct regular stock counts and investigate stock variances.
Ensure all food is prepared, labelled, stored, and distributed in accordance with HACCP and food safety regulations.
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organisation throughout the production facility.
Monitor equipment performance and report maintenance requirements promptly.
Lead, coach, and develop the production kitchen team, ensuring high levels of productivity and performance.
Monitor production KPIs, food costs, waste levels, and labour performance, implementing improvements where required.
Ensure all production records, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food safety documentation are accurately completed and maintained.
Work closely with Operations and Purchasing to ensure production aligns with business requirements.
Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, health and safety regulations, and food safety standards.

Requirements:

Proven experience as a Production Chef, Chef De Partie, or similar leadership role within a high-volume food production or central kitchen environment.
Strong knowledge of large-scale food production, batch cooking, and production planning.
Excellent understanding of food costing, stock control, inventory management, and labour cost management.
Experience managing supplier relationships and ordering food supplies.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team management skills.
Excellent organisational, planning, and administrative abilities.
Thorough understanding of HACCP, food safety legislation, and kitchen compliance standards.
Valid Food Handling Certificate.
Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment while managing multiple priorities.
Good problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to operational challenges.
Own transport is considered an asset.
Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends and public holidays when required.
Passion for food quality, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and leading high-performing production teams.

Production Head Chef

Job Description