At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create delicious, seasonal dishes.
- Company: Almond Family Pubs, a proud, independent family-owned group.
- Benefits: Generous tips, flexible hours, 50% off food, and free meals on shift.
- Other info: Fun, supportive environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a thriving pub and make your mark in a high-profile kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 17 £ per hour.
£17.00 per hour plus generous tips & bonus (Paid for every hour worked). The Station House, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7AA.
We are Almond Family Pubs - a proud, independent, family-owned group known for doing things properly. Since opening in October, our newly refurbished and rebranded premium pub in Cheadle Hulme has quickly established itself as a hugely successful, food-led destination at the heart of the local community. We are looking for an outstanding Head Chef with a strong commercial mindset to take the kitchen to the next stage of its journey.
With 200 covers inside and a further 230 outside, this is a large, high-volume site with a proven appetite for quality food. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes alongside premium takes on pub classics, and the kitchen plays a central role in the pub's continued success. You will lead, develop and shape a talented brigade, with the autonomy to put your stamp on an already thriving operation. This is an opportunity to step into a well-traded, high-profile kitchen within a business that genuinely values quality, consistency and team culture.
As a close-knit, 100% family-owned business, we are passionate about great pubs, exceptional hospitality and memorable food. Known for our well-executed pub classics and excellent beers and wines, this site proudly becomes the fifth pub in our growing family.
Join us and we can offer you benefits such as:
- Excellent tips currently averaging at £3.50 per hour
- Performance based bonus scheme
- Flexible hours with a healthy life/work balance
- 50% off food for you and 3 others in any Almond Family pub
- Excellent training, development, and progression opportunities
- Free food and drinks whilst on shift
- A fun, supportive, and inclusive work environment with a real family feel
- Regular team events and incentives
As Head Chef, you will:
- Take full ownership of the kitchen operation, from prep to pass
- Lead, inspire, and develop your team to deliver consistent, top-quality food
- Create a positive kitchen culture with strong training, support and communication
- Drive and maintain high standards in food safety, cleanliness and compliance
- Work closely with the General Manager and Operations Chef to hit targets and maximise kitchen performance
- Have input into menu development and specials, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Manage stock, wastage and GP and ensure everything runs like clockwork during service
We are looking for a Head Chef who brings:
- Proven experience in high-volume, premium pub or casual dining kitchens
- Energy and a can-do attitude
- Commercially astute and confident managing food GP, margins and wastage
- Strong leadership skills and a passion for team development
- A commitment to fresh, quality food and consistency under pressure
- A calm, professional approach even in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of compliance, food safety, and kitchen best practices
- Experience managing labour costs and ensuring staffing levels are appropriate
- A proactive, hands-on attitude and a desire to be part of something special
Our values:
- People First
- One Big Happy Family
- Prioritising Today's Guests
- Sustainability, Innovative & Future Proof
- Excellence
- Warm & Welcome
We endeavour to be a company that is inclusive to all people, from all backgrounds and we welcome applications from everyone, irrespective of your age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity. We believe this creates an environment where everyone, from any background, can thrive and be happy at work.
Head Chef in Manchester employer: Almond Family Pubs
Almond Family Pubs is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment where your culinary talents can truly shine. As a family-owned business, we prioritise our team’s well-being with flexible hours, excellent training opportunities, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, all while being part of a community-focused establishment that values quality and consistency in every dish. Join us at The Station House in Cheadle Hulme, where you can lead a passionate kitchen brigade and make a meaningful impact in a thriving pub atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub scene in Cheadle Hulme! Visit The Station House and other Almond Family Pubs to soak up the atmosphere. This will help you understand their vibe and menu, making it easier to impress during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media or at local events. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what the management values most.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary creativity! Prepare a few signature dishes that reflect your style and the pub's focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Bring these ideas to the interview to demonstrate your passion and vision for the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Almond Family Pubs team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about food and cooking. Share your experiences with fresh, seasonal ingredients and how you’ve created memorable dishes in the past. We love to see that enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and developed your team in previous roles. We want to know how you create a positive kitchen culture!
Be Commercially Savvy:We’re looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset. In your application, mention your experience managing food GP, margins, and wastage. Show us that you understand the business side of running a successful kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Almond Family Pubs
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes the pub serves. Research seasonal ingredients and think about how you can put your own twist on their menu. This shows your passion for quality food and your ability to innovate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you can create a positive kitchen culture.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your knowledge of food GP, margins, and wastage management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed these aspects in past positions. This will show that you have a strong commercial mindset, which is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Quality
During the interview, convey your dedication to fresh, quality food and consistency under pressure. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to high standards in food safety and cleanliness, as these are key values for the company.