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- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen, crafting seasonal menus and unique dishes.
- Company: Barra Castle Farmshop, a vibrant café in the stunning Aberdeenshire countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, balanced work-life, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Own transport required due to our rural location.
- Why this job: Join us to make memorable food and shape our culinary future.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or ambitious Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Where fresh local produce, creativity, and countryside charm come together - and no two days (or dishes) are the same!
Competitive Salary + Tips
Permanent Contract
Barra Castle Farmshop is looking for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen in our busy and growing café, set in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside near Oldmeldrum. We’re a kitchen that prides itself on proper food, made with great ingredients, and a bit of personality on the plate - not the same dishes you’ll find everywhere else. Our aim is simple: food that customers come back for, talk about, and remember.
This is a rare opportunity for a chef who wants to work with fresh, seasonal produce in a growing business, while enjoying a more balanced lifestyle than many traditional hospitality roles. It’s equally suited to an experienced Head Chef looking for a fresh challenge, or a strong Sous Chef / Senior Chef ready to step up into their first kitchen leadership role, with real scope to shape the future of the food here.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary + tips
- More balanced working pattern than many traditional kitchens
- Work with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients
- Freedom to develop menus and daily specials
- Opportunity to cater for events and private functions
- A supportive, friendly team
- Staff meals
- Potential to grow with an ambitious business
- Chance to put your stamp on a developing food offering
The Role
You’ll take full ownership of the kitchen day-to-day, leading service and ensuring consistently high standards across every dish. You’ll be expected to cook food that is both well-executed and a little bit different - the kind of dishes that get people talking.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and develop seasonal menus and specials
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
- Manage stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships
- Train, support, and motivate junior team members
- Manage GP, margins, and minimise waste
- Maintain consistency, quality, and presentation standards
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong chef leadership experience
- Is currently a Head Chef, or a Sous Chef ready to step up
- Can handle a busy service without losing focus or standards
- Cares about flavour, presentation, and fresh ingredients
- Is calm, organised, and hands-on in the kitchen
- Leads by example and treats the team with respect
- Can adapt when things change (and they sometimes will)
- Wants a better work-life balance without compromising on quality
Ideal Background
Experience in a café, restaurant, bistro, hotel or gastro pub is all welcome.
Location
Own transport is necessary due to rural location.
Apply Now
If you’re hungry for a new challenge, and want to be part of a kitchen that values fresh food, creativity, and good people… Send your CV and a short introduction telling us why this role is right for you.
Head Chef employer: Barra Castle
Contact Detail:
Barra Castle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café and its vibe before your interview. Swing by for a coffee or a bite, chat with the staff, and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your creativity! Think about unique dishes you could bring to the menu that align with their focus on fresh, local produce. Be ready to discuss your ideas during the interview – it’ll show you’re not just another chef, but someone who can really contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to current or former employees on social media to get insider tips about the kitchen culture. They might share valuable insights that can help you stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply, make sure to highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve motivated teams in the past. Barra Castle Farmshop is looking for someone who can lead by example, so share specific examples of how you've done this in your previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you write your application, let your love for fresh, local produce shine through. Share your culinary journey and what excites you about creating unique dishes that get people talking!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match our Head Chef role. Highlight any leadership experience and your ability to work with seasonal ingredients – we want to see how you can bring your personality to our kitchen!
Craft a Compelling Introduction: In your introduction, tell us why this role is perfect for you. Be genuine and specific about what draws you to Barra Castle Farmshop and how you envision contributing to our growing café.
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barra Castle
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with local produce and seasonal ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your menus, showcasing your creativity and understanding of flavour combinations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your approach to training and motivating junior chefs, as well as how you maintain high standards during busy services.
✨Be Ready for Menu Development
Think about unique dishes or specials you could introduce. Bring ideas to the table that reflect your personality and culinary style, demonstrating your ability to create memorable food that keeps customers coming back.
✨Discuss Work-Life Balance
Since this role offers a more balanced working pattern, be prepared to talk about how you manage stress and maintain quality in a busy kitchen. Share your thoughts on achieving a healthy work-life balance while still delivering exceptional food.