At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small kitchen team to create fresh, seasonal dishes in a busy café bistro.
- Company: Well-established independent department store with a friendly atmosphere.
- Benefits: £35,000 salary, daytime hours, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Easily commutable from York, Thirsk, and Darlington.
- Why this job: Take ownership of the kitchen and make a real impact on food quality.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or strong Chef Manager required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting for an experienced Head Chef to take the lead in a busy café bistro within a well-established independent department store in Northallerton. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who enjoys fresh, seasonal food, daytime service and a great work-life balance. You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, working alongside a small team of three to deliver consistently high-quality food across the café bistro.
The Role
- Lead and motivate a small kitchen team of 3
- Take full responsibility for the kitchen operation and daily food service
- Develop and deliver a fresh, appealing café bistro menu
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality and presentation
- Manage ordering, stock control, GP and kitchen costs
- Ensure excellent food hygiene, health & safety and allergen compliance
- Support and develop the wider kitchen team
- Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth service
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef, Sous Chef or strong Chef Manager who is confident taking ownership of a kitchen and leading a small team. You’ll be passionate about fresh food, organised, hands-on and comfortable working in a customer-focused environment. Experience within a café, bistro, restaurant, hotel or similar fresh-food operation would be advantageous.
What's on Offer?
- £35,000 salary
- 5 days over 7
- Daytime hours only – no evening services
- Small, friendly kitchen team
- Excellent work-life balance
- Opportunity to take ownership of the kitchen operation
- Well-established and popular retail environment
The role is based in Northallerton and is easily commutable from York, Thirsk, Darlington and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for a Head Chef role with daytime hours, a small team and an excellent work-life balance, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Northallerton employer: DISH
DISH is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Knaresborough, where creativity and culinary excellence thrive. With a focus on professional growth and menu autonomy, our team enjoys a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, making it a rewarding place for passionate chefs to develop their skills and advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Northallerton
✨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 DISH. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to DISH
Don't be shy about reaching out to DISH 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 Head Chef in Northallerton
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 DISH 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 DISH
✨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!
