Events by Howies head chef & prep kitchen in Bonnyrigg

About the Role

Since 1990, Howies has been at the heart of Edinburgh's dining scene, and we're proud to continue growing after over 36 years with Howies Waterloo Place, Howies Victoria Street and Scotts Kitchen continually thriving. Known for our Scottish, seasonal, and seriously tasty food, we collaborate closely with local suppliers to craft exceptional menus and we're just as passionate about our people as we are about great ingredients.

We're looking for an ambitious, driven Chef to lead on events and oversee the Jane Street prep kitchen. This is a hands-on leadership position for a chef who thrives on organisation, creativity, and quality—someone who can deliver exceptional food at scale and help grow our events business across Edinburgh. You'll take ownership of event production from planning and tastings through to on-site delivery, while also overseeing production for our restaurants at Jane Street. Working directly with the Senior Head Chef, you'll have real influence over menus, production systems, client experience, and the long-term direction of our events business. This role also involves liaising with clients, leading tastings, and representing Jane Street and Events by Howies at bi-annual company strategy meetings, ensuring the department's voice helps shape the wider business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage event catering operations across multiple venues, ensuring excellent execution and client satisfaction.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Jane Street prep kitchen.
• Supervise and motivate a small, skilled team (two chefs and one kitchen porter): training, rotas, and performance.
• Plan, cost, and execute menus that meet creative and commercial goals while achieving GP targets.
• Liaise directly with clients, conduct menu tastings, and ensure seamless event delivery and excellent customer experience.
• Collaborate with the Senior Head Chef and Events Manager to expand and refine the events offering, supporting business growth.
• Maintain a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating through rigorous HACCP, allergen, and safety standards.
• Oversee stock management, supplier relations, and kitchen budgeting with accuracy and accountability.
• Contribute creative ideas for seasonal menus and event dishes.
• Maintain a professional, safe, and audit-ready kitchen environment.

Hours & Pattern

This is a full-time role with flexible working hours depending on event bookings and business needs. Generally worked across 5 days per week, with events scheduled into the rota as required. Some weeks will include early starts, later finishes, and weekend shifts in line with event delivery—this is part of the role and planned fairly within the rota. We also run a 13-week hours worked review; any additional hours worked beyond contracted 48-hour levels are paid out, ensuring fairness and transparency.

What You Bring

• At least 5 years experience in a Senior Chef position, ideally with event, banqueting, or high-volume prep experience.
• Proven leadership and communication skills; confident managing a small team and liaising directly with clients.
• Strong understanding of menu development, with the ability to achieve consistency and keep costs within set parameters to ensure that GP targets are met.
• Skilled at effectively managing and training more junior members of the team, supporting their growth and development.
• Full UK driving licence and eligible for company vehicle insurance (currently 25+).
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP, allergens, and food hygiene legislation (including Natasha's Law).
• Calm, organised, and dependable under pressure—especially during peak event periods.
• Passionate about food, consistency, and professional development.

What We Offer

• OTE: £50,000 per year
• Base Salary: £35,000. The remainder is made up of tronc and performance-related bonus.
• Development & Support: One-to-one mentoring and tailored training with the Group Senior Head Chef.
• Opportunities to gain WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) and Food Safety qualifications.
• Access to HIT Scotland scholarships for professional development and leadership training.
• Representation of Jane Street and Events by Howies at bi-annual company strategy meetings, contributing to group-wide planning and innovation.
• Wellbeing: Access to The Burnt Chef Project and mental health support—our Senior Head Chef is a Burnt Chef Ambassador, promoting a healthy, sustainable kitchen culture.
• Benefits: Company pension, meals on duty and uniform provided, annual salary review and incremental pay rise, regular supplier visits to build product knowledge, sourcing relationships, and menu innovation.
• Family-owned hospitality group that values integrity, teamwork, and long-term growth.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• GP within target and keeping costs within set parameters.
• Consistent 5-star hygiene and allergen compliance.
• Smooth, efficient event delivery with strong client feedback.
• Exceptional organisation and the ability to execute events to an excellent standard, leaving clients genuinely impressed and wowed.
• Driving the events business forward with meticulous organisation and attention to detail.
• A motivated, collaborative kitchen team built on respect and trust.

Why Join Us

This is more than a kitchen position—it's a genuine opportunity to lead, influence, and represent Jane Street and Events by Howies at the highest level. You'll work alongside our Senior Head Chef who invests in people and champions wellbeing, gain exposure to major events, take part in supplier development visits, and advance your career through HIT Scotland, WSET, and bespoke training opportunities. You'll be part of a family-owned, passionate group of restaurants that believes in collaboration, creativity, and long-term investment in its people.