At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a premium seafood experience in Edinburgh's vibrant Old Town.
- Company: Join CODE, a dynamic hospitality group known for innovative dining.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible contract options, and a chance to shape a new culinary concept.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on leadership and significant influence on a new dining experience.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting project that celebrates Scottish produce and food culture.
- Qualifications: Experience with high-quality seafood and a passion for culinary excellence.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
CODE is developing a new premium food and drink experience within our Edinburgh hospitality portfolio, which currently includes The Court, The Lost Close, and The Pend.
We’re looking for a talented, commercially minded culinary lead to help shape and launch a new seafood‑led guest experience in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
This is a hands‑on role for someone who understands exceptional Scottish produce, can build strong supplier relationships, and knows how to deliver quality, consistency and pace in a premium but accessible format.
This is not a traditional restaurant role.
It is a chance to influence a new concept from the ground up, from sourcing and menu development through to stock control, service flow, team training and guest experience.
We need someone who can make the food side work beautifully, commercially and consistently.
- What You’ll Do
- Shape the food offer Develop and maintain a short, seasonal, seafood‑led menu that is simple, brilliant and led by the quality of the produce.
- Build supplier relationships Source well, negotiate confidently, and build trusted relationships with fishmongers, shellfish suppliers, smokehouses and Scottish producers.
- Own the standards Oversee food safety, storage, preparation, presentation and consistency across the operation.
- Support the guest experience Work with the wider CODE team to create a food and drink offer that feels distinctive, premium and rooted in Scottish provenance.
- Curate complementary drinks Help shape a concise drinks list that pairs intelligently with the food offer and sits comfortably within the wider CODE portfolio.
- Lead a small team Recruit, train and manage a compact kitchen and service team, setting clear standards without unnecessary fuss.
- Manage the numbers Take responsibility for food cost, GP, waste, stock control and supplier spend. This is a premium product, so the margins need to work.
Who You Are
- You have genuine experience sourcing and working with high-quality Scottish seafood.
- You understand when the product should be the star and when to get out of its way.
- You’ve run, led or helped develop a kitchen, food counter, seafood offer, pop‑up, events food operation or premium casual concept.
- You understand speed, consistency and quality in equal measure.
- You are comfortable with supplier negotiation, stock control and food safety compliance.
- You can think commercially without compromising the product.
- You care about provenance, sustainability and Scottish food culture.
- You are hands‑on, ego‑free and excited by the idea of helping build something new
- The Details
- Location: Edinburgh Old Town
- Company: CODE
- Reporting to: Head of Experience and CEO
- Contract: Open to salaried full‑time, freelance or consultancy arrangement initially
- Start: As soon as the right person is found
- Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience. To be discussed at interview.
The initial phase will involve supplier conversations, menu development, operational planning and preparation ahead of launch.
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Keeper of The Catch - Culinary Lead employer: Code and Destiny Student
At CODE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape a premium seafood-led dining experience in the vibrant heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and innovation, allowing you to influence every aspect of our culinary concept while enjoying competitive compensation and growth opportunities. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to celebrating Scottish produce and delivering outstanding guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Keeper of The Catch - Culinary Lead
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Code and Destiny Student. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Code and Destiny Student
Don't be shy about reaching out to Code and Destiny Student directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Keeper of The Catch - Culinary Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Code and Destiny Student and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Code and Destiny Student
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
