Head Chef

My client, a well-established food service business, is seeking to hire a Head Chef. This is a critical hands-on leadership role reporting directly to senior management.

The Role

This is a permanent position offering genuine strategic and operational ownership of culinary operations. You'll lead the kitchen team, drive menu innovation, and manage high-volume service whilst maintaining a hands-on approach to cooking. This role suits an experienced Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

About the Company

This is an established business operating a successful food venue. They are experiencing continued growth and are investing in culinary leadership to support ongoing expansion, in a dynamic, quality-focused environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the kitchen team, ensuring consistent, high-quality food delivery
• Work hands-on in the kitchen; this is a cooking role; you'll be on the line during service
• Manage and mentor senior sous chefs and kitchen managers
• Handle high-volume service during peak trading periods with professionalism and precision
• Create and innovate menus, driving the evolution of the food offering
• Take full ownership of kitchen operations, standards, food quality, and team performance
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and health regulations

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef; this is not a first-time head chef role
• Experience from high-volume, fast-paced operations is essential
• Certified in food safety and hygiene, Level 3 or above
• Demonstrable hands-on cooking ability; you must be a chef who works the pass and the line
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to command respect and take control of kitchen operations
• Experience managing experienced team members and strong personalities
• Resilience and agility; you're comfortable working in an environment where service demands are high and priorities can shift

What's On Offer

• Annual bonus: paid quarterly based on performance criteria
• Permanent, full-time contract
• 4-day working week (scheduled over 7 days)
• Bike to work scheme

How They Work

The culture is fast-paced, high-energy, and team-driven. You'll be working with long-standing team members, so building trust and commanding respect through skill and leadership is key to success.