Head Chef
Chelle's Brasserie | BG Leisure
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: 40 hours per week (plus the needs of the business)
Location: Chelle's Brasserie, Swindon
Be Part of Something Exciting
Chelle's Brasserie is entering an exciting new chapter.
Over the coming months, we will be transforming into a vibrant American Diner-inspired restaurant, creating a destination where great food, outstanding service and a genuine sense of community come together.
This isn't simply a Head Chef position, it's an opportunity to help shape the future of the business. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of the journey from the beginning, bringing fresh ideas, building a high-performing kitchen team and helping establish Chelle's as one of Swindon's favourite places to eat.
As part of BG Leisure and the wider Guardians Group, we believe hospitality is about much more than serving food. It's about creating memorable experiences, supporting our local community and giving people a place where they genuinely enjoy spending time.
Our Vision
Our ambition is to create more than just a restaurant.
We want Chelle's to become a welcoming community hub where families, friends, professionals and visitors from across Swindon and the surrounding areas come together to enjoy fantastic food and great company.
Alongside our American diner menu, we'll continue to offer experiences that bring people together, including:
- Bottomless Afternoon Teas
- Mum & Baby Clubs
- Community events
- Seasonal celebrations
- Family activities
- Private functions and special occasions
The successful Head Chef will play a key role in bringing this vision to life through exceptional food, strong leadership and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences.
The Role
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation through this exciting transformation.
You'll be responsible for creating consistency, developing the kitchen team and ensuring every guest receives an outstanding dining experience.
Previous experience working within an American-themed restaurant or diner environment is essential, together with the ability to lead from the front and inspire others.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the kitchen team.
- Deliver consistently exceptional food quality and presentation.
- Help shape and develop our new American diner-inspired menu.
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards.
- Manage ordering, stock control and minimise wastage.
- Monitor food margins and kitchen performance.
- Recruit, coach and develop team members.
- Work closely with the General Manager to continually improve the guest experience.
- Build a positive, respectful and accountable kitchen culture.
- Drive innovation whilst maintaining consistency and operational excellence.
About You
You'll be someone who:
- Has previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
- Has experience working within an American-themed restaurant or diner environment.
- Is passionate about creating outstanding food and memorable experiences.
- Leads with integrity, positivity and professionalism.
- Thrives under pressure and enjoys leading busy kitchen services.
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Takes pride in mentoring and developing others.
- Is commercially aware and understands kitchen cost control.
- Holds a Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or is willing to obtain one).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £38,000 - £40,000, depending on experience.
- 40 hours per week, plus the needs of the business.
- Company pension.
- Paid annual leave.
- Staff discounts across BG Leisure venues.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- Genuine opportunities to progress within Guardians Group.
- The opportunity to help create and shape an exciting new hospitality destination from the ground up.
Probationary Period
This role is subject to a 3-month probationary period, during which performance, leadership, technical ability and cultural fit will be reviewed.
Join the Journey
If you're looking for more than just your next Head Chef role, if you want to help build something exciting, create an exceptional dining experience and become part of a business that values its people and its community, we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help shape the next chapter of Chelle's Brasserie as we transform into Swindon's newest American Diner-inspired destination.
