Head of Food (Head Chef)

About Us:

Guillam Coffee House is a young, independent specialty coffee chain dedicated to serving the finest

single-origin coffee in a warm, community-driven environment. We opened our first store just two

weeks before the first major lockdown was announced, and through resilience, adaptability, and

relentless hard work, we not only survived but thrived.

We don't just follow industry norms-we think from first principles and tackle every challenge with a

fresh perspective. As we prepare to open our sixth and largest location, we are reimagining all-day

dining. This flagship site will be a true destination, where meticulous attention to detail, combined

with incredible coffee and food, can redefine the café experience.

The Role:

As the Head of Food (Head Chef) at Guillam Coffee House, you will be responsible for leading and

transforming our food offering across all locations, with a particular emphasis on the new site. We

are looking for an inspiring and strategic culinary leader who can develop a unique, high-quality

menu while ensuring operational efficiency across all kitchens.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development: Design and refine a distinctive brunch and all-day dining menu, ensuring it aligns with our brand ethos and complements our coffee selection.
• Culinary Leadership: Recruit, train, and lead a talented team of chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Quality & Consistency: Establish high standards for food quality, presentation, and service across all locations.
• Operational Efficiency: Develop streamlined kitchen processes to ensure smooth service and cost efficiency.
• Supplier & Ingredient Sourcing: Work with trusted suppliers to procure high-quality ingredients, prioritizing sustainability and seasonality.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure all kitchen operations adhere to food safety regulations and
• hygiene standards.
• Collaboration with Leadership: Work closely with the founding team and key stakeholders to align food strategy with brand growth.
• Customer Experience: Engage with customers and the community to gather feedback and
• continuously refine the food offering.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Culinary Director in a high-quality café, restaurant, or all-day dining concept.
• Strong background in brunch and all-day dining concepts.
• Passion for crafting memorable dining experiences that complement specialty coffee.
• Leadership experience with a track record of building and managing effective kitchen teams.
• A hands-on approach-able to balance creativity with operational execution.
• Knowledge of industry trends, sustainability practices, and cost control.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to shape and lead the food vision of an exciting and growing specialty coffee brand.
• Creative freedom to develop a menu that defines our food identity.
• A passionate and supportive team that values quality, community, and innovation.
• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• Career progression opportunities as we continue to expand.

How to Apply:

If you're a visionary chef who is excited about redefining café dining and bringing people together through food, we'd love to hear from you!

Email your CV and a short cover letter (plus any portfolio or menu samples) to afathalla@guillam.co.uk with the subject line "Head of Food Application."

Let's build something special together at Guillam Coffee House!