Dukes West Barns is an independent fine art gallery, bistro and gathering place located on the edge of the beautiful coastal town of Dunbar. Surrounded by East Lothian's rich farmland and stunning coastline, we celebrate great food, local produce, art and community.
Having built a loyal following among locals and visitors alike, Dukes has become known for its warm hospitality, quality ingredients and unique setting. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a passionate and ambitious Head Chef to help shape the next chapter of our journey.
Role Description
This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a kitchen with a strong reputation and significant potential. As Head Chef, you will lead all culinary operations, creating dishes that reflect the seasons, champion local producers and deliver memorable experiences for our guests.
Working closely with the leadership team, you will have the freedom to influence menus, events, bakery offerings and the overall food direction of the business. You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional standards while helping drive profitability, innovation and growth.
Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team, creating a positive, supportive and high-performing culture.
- Oversee the day-to-day running of all kitchen operations.
- Develop seasonal menus, daily specials, baked goods and food offerings that embody the Dukes brand.
- Champion the use of high-quality local and Scottish ingredients wherever possible.
- Maintain excellent standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
- Manage suppliers, purchasing, stock control and inventory to ensure efficiency and profitability.
- Monitor food costs, labour costs and waste management to achieve agreed financial targets.
- Deliver catering and hospitality for private events, exhibitions, workshops and special occasions.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, health and safety and licensing regulations.
- Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience, increase revenues and develop new food concepts.
- Collaborate with the wider team to support the continued growth and success of the business.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is as passionate about hospitality, community and local produce as they are about great food.
You will bring:
- Proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef position.
- Exceptional culinary skills and creativity.
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate, mentor and develop a team.
- Commercial awareness and a solid understanding of kitchen financial performance.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example.
- Attention to detail and pride in delivering consistently high standards.
- A genuine passion for seasonal cooking and supporting local suppliers.
- Experience managing food safety, compliance and operational standards.
A Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders would be advantageous but is not essential.
- Competitive salary of £30,000-£35,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- Company pensions scheme.
- Five-day working week and a strong commitment to work-life balance.
- Additional earnings opportunities through events, pop-up and other initiatives.
- Staff meals while on duty.
- Professional development, training and industry courses.
- Free on-site parking.
Why Join Dukes?
This is more than a Head Chef role. It is an opportunity to help shape a growing independent hospitality and cultural destination.
At Dukes you will have:
- The opportunity to influence the direction of the food offering.
- Creative freedom to develop menus and seasonal concepts.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- The chance to work alongside passionate people who care deeply about food, art and hospitality.
- Access to some of Scotland's finest local produce.
- Opportunities for personal development and progression as the business grows.
- A healthy work-life balance within a meaningful, community-focused business.
If you are an ambitious chef who is passionate about exceptional food, genuine hospitality and creating something special, we would love to hear from you.
Join us at Dukes West Barns and become part of a business that celebrates great food, local talent and the very best of East Lothian.
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