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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing kitchen, delivering exceptional food quality and service.
- Company: Join a flagship destination redefining hospitality in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy meals on shifts, competitive holiday allowance, and a birthday day off.
- Why this job: Shape innovative menus and experiences in a vibrant cultural district.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in a premium restaurant environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus — a vibrant, year‑round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the landmark Co‑op Live arena. Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester’s industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city‑defining experiences.
At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all‑day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high‑quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.
We’re looking for visionary culinary leaders who can shape menus, drive kitchen culture and bring creativity, consistency and excellence to our restaurants. You’ll have the freedom to innovate, the platform to lead, and the opportunity to help define some of Manchester’s most exciting new dining experiences. As Head Chef you will lead the kitchen operation of a high‑end restaurant, delivering an elevated, premium dining experience.
The role focuses on culinary excellence, precision, and leadership, bringing the Development Chef’s creative vision to life while owning the day‑to‑day delivery, consistency, and performance of the kitchen. You will be accountable for menu execution, quality, brigade leadership, and maintaining uncompromising standards at every service.
In this role you will:
- Lead and deliver a high‑performing kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and premium service standards across all services, including events and matchdays.
- Execute and evolve menus in line with brand direction, maintaining culinary excellence through innovation, precision, and rigorous quality control.
- Build, lead, and develop a skilled brigade, fostering a high‑performance culture of accountability, teamwork, and attention to detail.
- Maintain full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and operational standards, ensuring best‑in‑class kitchen practices at all times.
- Drive strong commercial performance through effective cost control, stock management, and continuous improvement of kitchen efficiency and guest experience.
Essential
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a premium, high‑volume restaurant or hotel environment
- Strong experience delivering breakfast, all‑day dining, and evening service formats
- Ability to run a fast‑paced kitchen operation with consistency and structure
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and allergen legislation
- Experience managing food costs, stock control, GP margins, and waste
- Ability to train and develop junior chefs and kitchen teams
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills
- Calm, confident decision‑making under pressure
- Passion for quality, detail, and guest experience
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Desirable
- Experience in a destination‑led or branded restaurant concept
- Experience with new openings or relaunches
- Menu development and concept work
- Knowledge of local suppliers and seasonal produce
- Experience working with large FOH teams
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a flagship destination set to redefine hospitality in Manchester
- Work within a world‑class entertainment and cultural district
- Build and lead new teams from the ground up
- Influence concepts, menus and guest experiences
- Grow your career within a pioneering and high‑profile development
Meals on Shifts — Enjoy lunch & dinner while you work. Competitive Holiday Allowance — plus bank holidays. Birthday Day Off — Enjoy an extra day off to celebrate your birthday. Inclusive & Diverse Workplace — Be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion. Wellbeing — Support and resources to help you stay well, both in and outside of work.
Head Chef in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Contact Detail:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the culinary scene. Attend events, join local chef groups, or even hit up social media platforms to engage with industry leaders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream Head Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up restaurant to showcase your culinary creations. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or venues you admire, like Medlock Square, and express your interest. A well-timed email or call can set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and any culinary portfolios you have. Share your experiences, achievements, and even some of your signature dishes. This way, when employers check you out, they’ll see exactly why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Culinary Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey, what inspires you, and how you plan to bring creativity to our menus.
Highlight Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've built and developed teams in the past, and how you foster a high-performance culture.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know about your hands-on experience in high-volume kitchens. Be specific about the types of services you've managed, like breakfast or evening dining, and any notable achievements in those roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Medlock Square.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastlands Venue Services Limited
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the restaurant's vision. Be ready to discuss how you can innovate and elevate their menu while maintaining high standards of quality and consistency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've built and developed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a high-performance culture and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Make sure you're up to date with food safety regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and how you train your team to maintain these standards. This shows that you prioritise safety alongside culinary excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios, such as handling busy service periods or managing food costs. Think through your past experiences and how you successfully navigated similar situations. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and make confident decisions under pressure.