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ESCO occupation

head chef

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Head chefs manage the kitchen to oversee the preparation, cooking and service of food.

3434.1.1 ISCO 3434 ESCO source
Competences
52
Groups
4
Essential
32
Optional
20

Competences and skills

52 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
food storage

The proper conditions and methods to store food to keep it from spoiling, taking into account humidity, light, temperature and other environmental factors.

ESCO source
food waste monitoring systems

The characteristics, benefits and ways of using digital tools to collect, monitor and evaluate data on food waste in an organisation or hospitality establishment.

digitalgreen
ESCO source
types of whisks

Types of whisks such as balloon whisks, french whisks, flat whisks, spiral whisks and more their function.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Essential skills and competences 29 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

14 competences
assist customers

Provide support and advice to customers in making purchasing decisions by finding out their needs, selecting suitable service and products for them and politely answering questions about products and services.

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compile cooking recipes

Organise recipes with regards to taste balance, healthy eating and nutrition.

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handover the food preparation area

Leave the kitchen area in conditions which follow safe and secure procedures, so that it is ready for the next shift.

Scope note
Includes clearing up and putting working materials in their proper places.
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keep up with eating out trends

Follow trends in cooking and eating out by monitoring a range of sources.

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monitor the use of kitchen equipment

Oversee correct use of kitchen equipment, such as knives, colour coded chopping boards, buckets and cloths.

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plan menus

Organise menus taking into account the nature and style of the establishment, client feedback, cost and the seasonality of ingredients.

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set prices of menu items

Fix the prices of main course dishes and other items on the menu. Ensure that they remain affordable within the organisation's budget.

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supervise food quality

Oversee the quality and safety of food served to visitors and customers according to food standards.

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train staff to reduce food waste

Establish new trainings and staff development provisions to support staff knowledge in food waste prevention and food recycling practices. Ensure that staff understands methods of and tools for food recycling, e.g., separating waste.

green
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use cooking techniques

Apply cooking techniques including grilling, frying, boiling, braising, poaching, baking or roasting.

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use culinary finishing techniques

Apply culinary finishing techniques including garnishing, decorating, plating, glazing, presenting and portioning.

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use food preparation techniques

Apply food preparation techniques including the selecting, washing, cooling, peeling, marinating, preparing of dressings and cutting of ingredients.

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use reheating techniques

Apply reheating techniques including steaming, boiling or bain marie.

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use resource-efficient technologies in hospitality

Implement technological improvements in hospitality establishments, as connectionless food steamers, pre-rinse spray valves and low flow sink taps, which optimise the water and energy consumption in dishwashing, cleaning and food preparation.

green
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Cross-sector

15 competences
comply with food safety and hygiene

Respect optimal food safety and hygiene during preparation, manufacturing, processing, storage, distribution and delivery of food products.

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control of expenses

Monitor and maintain effective cost controls, in regards to efficiencies, waste, overtime and staffing. Assessing excesses and strives for efficiency and productivity.

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develop food waste reduction strategies

Develop policies such as staff meal or food redistribution to reduce, reuse and recycle food waste where possible. This includes reviewing purchasing policies to identify areas for reducing food waste, e.g., quantities and quality of food products.

green
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ensure maintenance of kitchen equipment

Guarantee coordination and supervision of cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment.

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estimate costs of required supplies

Evaluate the amounts and costs of required supplies such as of food items and ingredients.

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handle customer complaints

Administer complaints and negative feedback from customers in order to address concerns and where applicable provide a quick service recovery.

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maintain a safe, hygienic and secure working environment

Preserve health, hygiene, safety and security in the workplace in accordance with relevant regulations.

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manage budgets

Plan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.

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manage hospitality revenue

Oversee a hospitality revenue by understanding, monitoring, predicting and reacting to consumer behaviour, in order to maximise revenue or profits, maintain budgeted gross profit and minimise expenditures.

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manage staff

Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.

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manage stock rotation

Oversee stock levels, paying attention to expiry dates to diminish stock loss.

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perform procurement processes

Undertake ordering of services, equipment, goods or ingredients, compare costs and check the quality to ensure optimal payoff for the organisation.

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plan shifts of employees

Plans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.

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recruit employees

Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.

Scope note
It may include recruiting volunteers.
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train employees

Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

ESCO source
Optional knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
molecular gastronomy

The analysis of scientific research applied to food preparation, which focuses among others on how the interaction between ingredients can modify the structure and appearance of food, for example by creating unexpected tastes and textures and by developing new types of dining experiences.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Optional skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

7 competences
advise guests on menus for special events

Offer recommendations to guests on meal and drink items available for special events or parties in a professional and friendly manner.

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attend to detail regarding food and beverages

Perform great attention to all steps in the creation and the presentation of a qualitative product.

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cook pastry products

Prepare pastry products such as tarts, pies or croissants, combining with other products if necessary.

Scope note
Includes baking, decorating and presenting
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create decorative food displays

Design decorative food displays by determining how food is presented in the most attractive way and realising food displays in order to maximise revenue.

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execute chilling processes to food products

Carry out chilling, freezing and cooling operation processes to food products such as fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, catering food. Prepare food products for extended periods of storage or half prepared food. Ensure safety and nutrition qualities of frozen goods and preserve products in accordance with specified temperatures.

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prepare flambeed dishes

Make flambeed dishes in the kitchen or in front of customers while paying attention to safety.

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think creatively about food and beverages

Generate innovative and creative ideas to come up with new recipes, preparations of food and beverages and new ways to present the products.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
check deliveries on receipt

Control that all order details are recorded, that faulty items are reported and returned and that all paperwork is received and processed, according to the purchasing procedures.

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conduct research on food waste prevention

Research and evaluate methods, equipment and costs for reducing and managing food waste. Monitor recorded measurement data and identify areas for improvement relating to food waste prevention.

green
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design indicators for food waste reduction

Determine key performance indicators (KPI) for reducing food waste and managing in line with established standards. Oversee the evaluation of methods, equipment and costs for food waste prevention.

green
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forecast future levels of business

Predict how the business will perform in future, potential expenditures and revenues to project situations for future periods

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handle chemical cleaning agents

Ensure proper handling, storage, management and disposal of cleaning chemicals (CIP) in accordance with regulations.

Scope note
The chemicals include hazardous materials.
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identify suppliers

Determine potential suppliers for further negotiation. Take into consideration aspects such as product quality, sustainability, local sourcing, seasonality and coverage of the area. Evaluate the likelihood of obtaining beneficial contracts and agreements with them.

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manage contract disputes

Monitor issues that arise between the parties involved in a contract and provide solutions in order to avoid lawsuits.

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manage inspections of equipment

Monitor formal or official viewings and examinations in order to regularly test and inspect property and equipment.

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manage medium term objectives

Monitor medium term schedules with budget estimations and reconciliation on a quarterly basis.

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negotiate supplier arrangements

Reach an agreement with the supplier upon technical, quantity, quality, price, conditions, storage, packaging, send-back and other requirements related to the purchasing and delivering process.

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plan medium to long term objectives

Schedule long term objectives and immediate to short term objectives through effective medium-term planning and reconciliation processes.

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upsell products

Persuade customers to buy additional or more expensive products.

Scope note
Products include also services.
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