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- Tasks: Lead a high-end kitchen, delivering exceptional food quality and premium 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 45000 - 60000 £ 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.
Operating in a high-profile, fast-paced environment — including matchdays and events — you will balance creativity with control, delivering an experience that is theatrical, seamless, and memorable.
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 Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- 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.
Eastlands Venue Services Ltd is committed to protecting your personal data. Information provided will be used for recruitment purposes only and handled in accordance with the UK GDPR and our Candidate Privacy Notice. Candidate data is retained for 18 months unless you request removal sooner.
Head Chef - Premium Dining & Events Kitchen Leader 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 - Premium Dining & Events Kitchen Leader 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 food festivals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner 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 postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or venues you admire. Send them a message expressing your interest and share your vision for their kitchen. It shows initiative and could lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to check out our listings regularly and apply directly to increase your chances of landing that dream job at Medlock Square.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Premium Dining & Events Kitchen Leader 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 kitchen at Medlock Square.
Highlight Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise 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: Tailor your application by detailing your experience in premium dining environments. Mention specific achievements, like menu innovations or successful events, that demonstrate your ability to deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 vision of Medlock Square. Be ready to discuss how you can innovate and elevate their dining experiences while maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, your leadership will be crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and led kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of accountability and teamwork, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Menu Development Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with menu development and how you approach creating dishes that are both innovative and consistent. Share specific examples of how you've executed menus in line with brand direction and guest expectations.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Understanding food safety and hygiene is non-negotiable. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will show that you prioritise safety while delivering exceptional culinary experiences.