Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 rural location.
- Why this job: Join us to make memorable food and shape our culinary future.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or a Sous Chef ready for leadership.
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!
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 in Oldmeldrum employer: Barra Castle
Contact Detail:
Barra Castle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Oldmeldrum
✨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 their 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 culinary vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! If you’re stepping up from a Sous Chef role, be prepared to talk about how you’ve motivated your team in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve handled busy services and maintained high standards – they want to see you can lead with confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a kitchen that values fresh food and creativity. Let’s get you that Head Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Oldmeldrum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients: When you’re writing your application, let us know how much you love working with fresh, local produce. Share any experiences you've had creating seasonal menus or unique dishes that highlight your creativity and flair in the kitchen.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, we want to see your leadership style shine through. Talk about your experience managing a team, training junior chefs, and how you maintain high standards during busy services. We’re looking for someone who leads by example!
Be Yourself!: We value personality just as much as skill. Don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your own character into your application. Tell us what makes you unique and how you can bring a bit of your own charm to our café.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your CV and a short introduction via our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and ensures it lands in the right hands. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barra Castle
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the local produce and seasonal ingredients that the café uses. 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. This will demonstrate your readiness for the Head Chef role.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Waste Management
Since managing GP and minimising waste is crucial, come prepared with strategies you've implemented in previous roles. Discuss how you handle stock control and supplier relationships to ensure efficiency in the kitchen.
✨Bring Your Personality to the Table
The café values dishes with personality, so don’t shy away from sharing your unique culinary style. Prepare to discuss any signature dishes or specials you've created that reflect your individuality and passion for food.