Head Chef

The English word Chef comes from the French Chef de Cuisine. The Head Chef is the kitchen team leader and heads-up the brigade. Depending on the size of the establishment the Head Chef may also be the Executive Chef. An Executive Chef is normally responsible for a number of restaurants but if the company is just one premises, then head and executive may be synonymous. The Head Chef is also the Chef’s Manager.

Restaurants, hotels, cruise ships and yachts all have Head Chefs. The position holds great responsibility for areas including; menu creation, managing staff, purchasing, budgeting, problem solving and diner satisfaction. The Head Chef will be working towards the necessary financial goals set by the company, alongside delivering-up excellent value to guests. A wholly rewarding and satisfying role, aided by a supportive Sous Chef.

To give you a sense of the effort-reward, accolades such as Michelin stars or Rosettes are awarded directly to the Head Chef. Admittedly, it is very much a team effort but the Head Chef shoulders the risk and responsibility. At this level, a Head Chef will spend a significant amount of time outside the kitchen environment attending to administrative tasks such as; supplier visits, scheduling rotas, liaising with the finance department, the owner and VIPs.

Qualifications will always help cement a good application. There are 3 main pathways to becoming a Head Chef, all requiring workplace experience to a varying degree depending on the competence of the candidate, the size of the establishment canvassing a Head Chef role and the promotional opportunities within. The 3 pathways are; 1. Enter workplace at a low level without qualifications or experience (realising Head Chef position estimate; additional 5-8 years), 2. Graduate from a 3-year College programme (realising Head Chef position estimate; additional 3-5 years), 3. Graduate Independent Culinary Academy 4-month programme (realising Head Chef position estimate; additional 1-3 years).

Employers will look for the assurances of qualifications and/or experience. What they seek is competent, tenacious individuals who show initiative and craft skills to perform the job well. They will also be searching for the trait hospitality. Recruitment is a fickle and expensive business. As a result it can feel a little frosty at times but for the right candidate the process is full of excitement and opportunities. Worth bearing in mind, the initial unknown quantities on both sides. The employer will want a high level of certainty that the individual is capable and with ongoing potential. The employee will want to know that the parameters of the work suit them/their skill set and is beneficial to their career path. WhitePepper’s Level 4 Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts has various commercial relevant skills and experiences built-in to help create a robust graduate portfolio.

A successful Head Chef will be a good teacher and mentor, approachable and solve challenges positively and pragmatically. They need to be positively authoritative in a collaborative manner. They will be well organised and well-rehearsed. Be able to make decisions quickly and calmly and subsequently delegate tasks to team members. They will have to manage over-performing and under-performing staff.

In line with the responsibilities and duties required of a Head Chef their salary is the highest of the kitchen staff. Salary will be dependent on the size of the establishment and operation. Also, the location of the company and the Head Chef’s prior achievements and ongoing potential. According to Indeed, 2023; Head Chef Salaries range from £36,091 to £51,192. Notably, some of the better and more well paid jobs won’t feature here, as they will not have to recruit so publicly. Head Chefs may also be privy to bonuses and benefits.