What does a Head Chef do?
Head Chefs are the main Chefs in a restaurant. Head Chefs don’t cook directly, nor are they involved in the daily activities in a kitchen. They typically leave the day-to-day running of a kitchen in the hands of the second in command , the Sous Chef. The Head Chef’s main concern is ensuring that a kitchen runs smoothly and profitably. A Head Chef also hires, trains and manages an establishment’s kitchen staff.
Head Chef skills and qualifications
The job of a Head Chef often involves interaction with people, whether they’re interviewing staff, dealing with suppliers or giving orders to other Chefs so they need to posses excellent interpersonal skills. In addition, a successful Head Chef will also have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that can include:
- The ability to constantly perform well in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment
- Excellent organisational skills to ensure the smooth running of a kitchen
- In-depth knowledge of all the sections in a kitchen to efficiently manage operations
- Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and motivate a kitchen team
- Solid financial acumen, including the ability to manage a budget
- Creativity and superior culinary skills to create exceptional dishes for an establishment’s menu
- Computer literacy, including a working knowledge of relevant software programs, such as a point-of-sale system and Microsoft Office
- Business acumen to make sound decisions regarding things like menu prices and kitchen processes
Head Chef experience requirements
The level of experience a Head Chef needs depends on the position. Generally, the industry values candidates who have extensive on-the-job experience in a variety of kitchens and different types of restaurants. Some employers prefer candidates with two to three years of proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or experience in managing a culinary team. In addition, candidates may need to show financial knowledge and a proven ability to run a profitable kitchen.
Head Chef education and training requirements
There are no fixed education and training requirements for this occupation. Whereas some candidates obtain a position as Head Chef after years of on-the-job experience in the kitchen, others choose to qualify themselves. Relevant qualifications include a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in culinary arts, hospitality management or professional cookery. Candidates can also develop their skills through college courses, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery or a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts. Another way to gain valuable skills and experience in the field is through a Senior Culinary Chef Higher Apprenticeship.
Head Chef salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Head Chef in the UK is £30,329 per year. Salaries vary, depending on factors like location and employer.
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