Lead Cook (Full time)

Hillier Garden Centre at Eastbourne is a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wide range of plants, gifts and outdoor living products. Our on-site restaurant plays an important part in the customer experience, serving freshly prepared meals and light snacks in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We are now looking for a committed Lead Cook to join our team and support the delivery of high‑quality food and excellent service.

As a Garden Centre Lead Cook, you will prepare and cook a variety of dishes to Hillier specification, ensuring that all food is fresh, well‑presented and delivered to a consistently high standard.

You will maintain excellent food safety and hygiene practices, complete all compliance checks in line with the Hillier Food Safety Management Policy, and ensure that documentation is accurate and retained.

You will oversee day‑to‑day kitchen operations, including prep work, cleaning routines, equipment care and correct use of protective equipment. You will also work collaboratively with front‑of‑house colleagues to ensure a seamless dining experience for customers.

This is a full‑time, permanent role of 37.5 hours per week, worked on a rota basis and including some weekend working. The salary for this role is £30,000 per annum.

Main Responsibilities

• Uphold Hillier’s standards of service, appearance and customer engagement.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes to company specification, ensuring timely service and consistently high standards.
• Cater for authorised dietary requirements while following company procedures.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep work, cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance.
• Store and rotate stock correctly, manage inventory and assist with ordering supplies when required.
• Maintain portion control and minimise waste in line with Hillier specification.
• Ensure all food safety regulations are followed and that compliance checks are completed and documented.
• Follow health and safety policies, ensuring correct protective equipment is used and kitchen areas remain clean and organised.
• Work collaboratively with front‑of‑house staff to support a smooth customer experience.
• Respond promptly to customer feedback or dietary requests.
• Present food consistently and to specification.
• Support and assist in training other kitchen staff when required.
• Identify, report or address any potential hazards to ensure the safety of customers and colleagues.
• Carry out any other reasonable tasks required to support the needs of the business.

Skills And Experience

• Proven experience working as a cook or in a similar food preparation role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and experience implementing hygiene practices.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage busy periods efficiently.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.

Desirable

• Experience working in a café or restaurant within a garden centre or retail environment.
• Food hygiene and safety certification (e.g., Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene).

Benefits

• Sociable daytime hours with no split shifts.
• Full training and access to our Online Learning Hub.
• 20% employee discount.
• 50% discount on the restaurant menu while on shift.
• 31 days’ annual leave (pro‑rata for part‑time).
• Free on‑site parking.
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
• Company Christmas gifts (eligibility applies).
• Access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and cashback offers.
• Free solo entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey, plus discounts at other gardens nationally.

You will be joining a respected family business with over 150 years of history, working in a friendly and supportive environment where every team member is valued for the part they play in our continued success.

We can only consider candidates who are already based in the UK and have the right to work.

Hillier is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.

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