At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen at Little Beast, creating exceptional seasonal menus and building a strong team.
- Company: Join Medlock Square, a vibrant new destination in Manchester's dining scene.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous holiday allowance, and complimentary meals on shift.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape a new restaurant from the ground up and celebrate British culinary artistry.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with a passion for fresh, seasonal produce.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ 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.
About the role
Feed the Little Beast in You. More than a restaurant, Little Beast is a bold celebration of Britain’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary artistry. We’re now looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen from opening and help shape the future of the concept. This is a rare opportunity to join a new restaurant at the very beginning of its journey. Working closely with our Development Chef, you’ll bring menus to life, build and develop your brigade, establish kitchen culture and set the standards that will define the guest experience from day one.
What You’ll Be Doing
- You’ll lead the day-to-day kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and service standards across every shift.
- You’ll work closely with the Development Chef to deliver seasonal menus, maintain culinary standards and continuously evolve the guest offering.
- You’ll recruit, train and develop a high-performing brigade, creating a positive kitchen culture built around teamwork, accountability and development.
- You’ll take ownership of food safety, stock management, labour control and kitchen performance, ensuring the operation runs efficiently while maintaining uncompromising standards.
- Most importantly, you’ll play a key role in establishing Little Beast as a destination restaurant within Manchester’s dining scene.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a quality-led restaurant environment.
- Strong experience working with fresh food and seasonal produce.
- Passion for British ingredients and modern dining concepts.
- Experience building, developing and leading kitchen teams.
- Strong understanding of kitchen financials, stock control and labour management.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced opening environment and help shape a new operation from the ground up.
Why Join Us?
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards
- Group Life Assurance – 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
- Birthday Day Off – an extra day to celebrate
- Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including counselling support
- Employee Discounts Platform (Blackhawk) – cashback and savings across major retailers
- Company Pension Scheme
- Generous Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays
- Career Development Opportunities – with progression across the campus
Head Chef - Little Beast in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
At Little Beast, we pride ourselves on being more than just a restaurant; we are a vibrant part of Manchester's culinary landscape, celebrating Britain's agricultural heritage with a commitment to quality and exceptional hospitality. As the Head Chef, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our kitchen culture and lead a passionate team in a dynamic environment, all while enjoying a range of benefits including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and career development opportunities. Join us at Medlock Square, where your culinary artistry will help define an exciting new dining destination in one of Europe's most lively cities.
Contact Details:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Little Beast in Manchester
✨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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Eastlands Venue Services Limited 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 - Little Beast in Manchester
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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited 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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited
✨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!
