Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team and shape a fresh, modern menu.
- Company: A well-established riverside restaurant with a strong local following.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, supportive environment, and staff meals.
- Why this job: Perfect for aspiring Head Chefs seeking work-life balance and creative input.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Sous or Sous Chef, or an established Head Chef.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced 40-hour week in a dynamic, evolving kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 50400 £ per year.
A rare opportunity has opened for a talented Junior Sous or Sous Chef ready for their first Head Chef role, or an experienced Head Chef seeking a better work-life balance, working an average 40-hour week in a supportive, established environment.
The restaurant is transitioning from a formal, fine-dining identity to a more modern, relaxed brasserie-style concept with a focus on flavour, simplicity, and fresh seasonal cooking. This is an exciting moment to step in and help define the next chapter.
It’s the perfect setup for someone who wants creative input, stability, and a calmer pace — without losing the enjoyment and pride that comes with cooking great food.
About the Venue
This well-established riverside restaurant has a strong local following and is evolving its offer to become more accessible and contemporary. Expect a menu based around:
- Fresh pastas
- Grilled meats & steaks
- Flatbreads
- Fish dishes
- Seasonal small plates
- Classic favourites cooked from scratch
High quality, modern, flavour-led cooking without fine dining pressure.
The Opportunity
You’ll have a genuine say in the direction of the kitchen and will be trusted to:
- Help develop and shape the new menu
- Refine prep systems & kitchen organisation
- Lead a small, capable team
- Maintain consistency and quality
- Recruit and train your right-hand support when needed
- Bring fresh ideas that suit the changing concept
This is a supportive environment ideal for someone stepping up for the first time or someone experienced who wants a less intense pace than high-end kitchens.
Working Pattern (Approx. 40 Hours)
A realistic and balanced rota based on updated opening hours:
- Wednesday – Friday: Prep + dinner service
- Saturday: Brunch/lunch + dinner
- Sunday: Daytime service only
A Head Chef role without 60–70 hour weeks — extremely rare in today’s market.
What We’re Looking For
- A strong Junior Sous or Sous Chef wanting progression or an experienced Head Chef wanting a more manageable schedule
- Background in fresh food restaurants, modern British, or brasserie-style kitchens
- Calm, organised leadership style
- Creative flair with understanding of costings
- Able to run a small kitchen confidently
- Someone excited to build a new identity and menu direction
- Passion for flavour-led cooking without unnecessary complexity
Salary & Package
- £36,000, depending on experience
- Opportunity to increase salary as the new concept grows
- Full creative input into menus
- Ability to shape your own team
- Supportive ownership and a collaborative working culture
- Staff meals, pension contribution, and typical restaurant benefits
Why This Role Stands Out
- Perfect first Head Chef step-up
- Equally ideal for an experienced Head Chef wanting a better lifestyle
- 40-hour week
- Creative freedom
- Supportive owners, no corporate pressure
- A respected venue ready for a fresh direction
For more details or to apply:
Head Chef in Derby employer: Knekt Hub Ltd
Contact Detail:
Knekt Hub Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and foodies. Attend local food events or workshops to make connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary flair. This is a great way to get noticed and demonstrate your creative input in a relaxed setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! If you see a restaurant that excites you, drop them a message or visit in person. Express your passion for their new direction and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to get your application in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for flavour-led cooking shine through. Share your experiences and what excites you about creating fresh, seasonal dishes. We want to see your personality and passion for food!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the modern brasserie concept we're moving towards. Highlight any relevant experience in similar environments and how you can contribute to shaping our new menu. We appreciate a personal touch!
Be Clear About Your Leadership Style: As a potential Head Chef, it's important to convey your calm and organised leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past and how you plan to support and develop your kitchen staff with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of standing out. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knekt Hub Ltd
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and understand the type of menu the restaurant is transitioning to. Familiarise yourself with modern brasserie-style dishes and think about how you can contribute creatively. This will show your passion for the role and your readiness to bring fresh ideas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your calm and organised leadership style during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored junior chefs, highlighting your ability to maintain quality and consistency.
✨Discuss Your Vision
Be prepared to discuss your vision for the kitchen and how you would shape the new menu. Think about how you can incorporate seasonal ingredients and flavour-led cooking while keeping things simple. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely excited about the opportunity to define the restaurant's next chapter.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don't forget to ask insightful questions about the restaurant's goals and the support you'll receive as a Head Chef. This demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your expectations for a supportive and collaborative culture.
