About the Role
Lead an award-winning kitchen, inspire a passionate team and help deliver Oxford's best smokehouse experience.
Contract: Full-time : Permanent
Guaranteed Hours : 40 hours per week.
Additional Hours: Additional hours up to approximately 45 hours per week. Depending on the needs of the business .
Working Pattern: Including evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required by the needs of the business.
Salary: £33,280 – £37,440 per year, depending on hours worked, plus a generous share of the restaurant's service charge
* Guaranteed Basic Pay: £16.00 per hour plus a share of the restaurant's service charge. Service charge is paid in addition to your basic pay and will vary depending on the amount collected and the Company's service charge distribution arrangements.
Requirements
As Head Chef, you will lead by example, inspiring and developing a high-performing kitchen team while living and promoting the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work alongside your team, particularly during busy service periods, ensuring every dish leaving the kitchen meets Burnout BBQ's high standards for quality, consistency and presentation. You will be responsible for the overall management of kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food standards, legal compliance, food safety and efficient service. Working closely with the Front of House Manager and Bar Manager, you will play a key role in delivering an outstanding guest experience across every part of the business.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & People Management
● Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team in line with the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos.
● Recruit, interview and onboard new kitchen team members.
● Deliver effective inductions, training and ongoing coaching.
● Manage probation periods and support individual development.
● Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and performance reviews.
● Manage attendance, punctuality and performance, addressing concerns in accordance with company procedures.
● Build a positive, supportive and high-performing kitchen culture.
● Ensure all team members maintain high standards of professionalism, cleanliness and presentation.
Rotas & Kitchen Operations
● Produce and manage kitchen staff rotas in line with business requirements.
● Approve annual leave requests.
● Ensure the kitchen is adequately staffed, organised and prepared to deliver every service safely and efficiently.
● Arrange cover for sickness and unexpected absences.
● Ensure all team members clock in and out correctly using company systems.
● Monitor labour costs and staffing levels to maximise operational efficiency.
● Plan and organise kitchen operations to meet business demands.
● Lead the kitchen team throughout service, providing hands-on support and direction to ensure efficient food preparation and service.
● Deploy team members effectively throughout each shift to maintain productivity and service standards.
● Ensure all food is prepared and served within agreed service times.
● Oversee all opening and closing procedures, ensuring the kitchen is fully prepared for service.
Food Quality & Standards
● Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation at all times.
● Ensure every dish is prepared in accordance with Burnout BBQ's recipes, specifications and portion controls.
● Monitor food preparation throughout service to ensure consistency.
● Continuously review standards and implement improvements where appropriate.
● Ensure every dish leaving the kitchen meets Burnout BBQ's standards for quality, consistency and presentation.
Menu Development
● Develop, maintain and continuously improve Burnout BBQ's food menu, ensuring it reflects the brand's commitment to authentic American BBQ and exceptional quality.
● Create and recommend new dishes, seasonal specials and menu enhancements in collaboration with the senior management team.
● Review recipes, portion sizes and food specifications to ensure consistency, quality and profitability.
● Ensure all menu items are produced consistently in accordance with approved recipes and presentation standards.
● Train and support the kitchen team on new menu items, recipes and cooking techniques.
● Work with the leadership team to continually improve the overall guest dining experience through menu innovation and operational excellence.
Food Safety, Compliance & Stock Management
● Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety legislation.
● Ensure allergen information is accurate, clearly communicated and consistently followed.
● Maintain correct food labelling, date coding, stock rotation and safe food storage procedures.
● Ensure cleaning schedules are completed and high hygiene standards are maintained throughout the kitchen.
● Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance requirements promptly.
● Manage stock control, ordering and waste to maintain efficient kitchen operations and minimise food costs.
● Monitor food costs, minimise waste and identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining Burnout BBQ's quality standards.
Communication & Continuous Improvement
● Work collaboratively with the Front of House Manager and Bar Manager to ensure seamless restaurant operations.
● Communicate effectively with all departments to support excellent guest experiences.
● Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency, food quality and team performance.
● Support the implementation of new menu items and operational initiatives.
● Promote a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork throughout the business.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
● Has previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager within a busy hospitality environment.
● Has excellent leadership and people management skills.
● Leads by example and enjoys working alongside the team.
● Is passionate about producing high-quality food and maintaining exceptional standards.
● Has a strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergen management and Health & Safety legislation.
● Has experience managing kitchen operations, stock control and food quality.
● Is organised, proactive and able to perform under pressure.
● Enjoys coaching, mentoring and developing others.
● Has excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
● Shares Burnout BBQ's commitment to quality, teamwork and exceptional guest experiences.
What We Offer
At Burnout BBQ, we're proud to be a growing, family-run business where hard work is recognised and every team member plays an important role in our success.
As part of our team, you'll receive:
● Competitive salary, plus a share of the restaurant's service charge.
● Company pension scheme.
● 5.6 weeks' paid annual leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays)
● Calculated pro rata according to your contracted hours.
● Complimentary meal on every shift.
● Burnout BBQ branded uniform provided.
● Ongoing training and professional development.
● Opportunities for career progression as Burnout BBQ continues to grow.
● 20 % staff discount across all Burnout BBQ restaurants and mobile food trucks.
● Annual Christmas and staff celebration events.
● Opportunities to work at festivals, private events and outdoor catering through our mobile food truck operation.
● A supportive, friendly and family-run working environment where your contribution is valued.
What Success Looks Like
● A motivated, engaged and high-performing kitchen team.
● Consistently excellent food quality, presentation and portion control.
● Safe, efficient and well-organised kitchen operations.
● Full compliance with food safety, allergen, Health & Safety and company procedures.
● Positive collaboration with the Front of House and Bar teams, contributing to exceptional guest experiences.
● Consistent delivery of the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos through leadership, teamwork and operational excellence.
If you're a passionate kitchen leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing people and takes pride in delivering exceptional food, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Company
Burnout BBQ is an award-winning, family-run American smokehouse, proudly serving authentic BBQ in the heart of Oxford. With locations in the City Centre alongside our growing mobile catering and festival operation, we're building a reputation for exceptional food, outstanding service and unforgettable guest experiences.
Known for our low-and-slow smoked meats, award-winning wings and bold American flavours, we're passionate about quality in everything we do. Just as importantly, we're passionate about our people. We believe in creating a supportive, hardworking and enjoyable workplace where every team member has the opportunity to learn, develop and grow with the business.
As Burnout BBQ continues to expand, we're looking for enthusiastic and motivated people who share our passion for hospitality and take pride in delivering exceptional food, drinks and customer experiences. Whether you're serving guests, leading a team or supporting our kitchen operations, you'll play an important role in creating memorable experiences while living the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos.