Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, inspire your team, and create delicious dishes.
  • Company: Las Iguanas, where food and fun come together in a lively atmosphere.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Enjoy team events, competitions, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in a dynamic kitchen.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Join Our South American Adventure at Las Iguanas, where our food is the heart of the fiesta. Inspired by the bold flavours, colour and soul of Latin America, our kitchens are fast-paced, energetic places where passion, pace and personality come together.

As a Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen, leading the team to deliver consistently great food while creating a positive, high-energy culture. You’ll inspire, train and develop your chefs, run smooth and confident services, and ensure standards around quality, safety and cleanliness are always spot on.

You’ll balance creativity with control, managing costs, labour and stock effectively, while keeping the flavour bold and the kitchen motivated. Working closely with the General Manager, you’ll play a key role in driving the success of the restaurant and building a kitchen team that’s proud of what they deliver every day.

We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Head Chef who thrives in a busy, high-volume environment and loves leading from the front. You’ll be passionate about fresh food, confident developing people, and calm under pressure — someone who brings energy, structure and consistency to the kitchen.

If you’re ready to lead a kitchen that’s full of flavour, personality and passion — and want to build something special with a brand that celebrates individuality and teamwork — Las Iguanas is the place for you.

Why Join Las Iguanas?

  • A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and believe our differences make us stronger.
  • A Competitive Package – 45-hour contract, quarterly bonus, and opportunity to earn Tronc.
  • Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
  • Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships in Hospitality Management (Level 4).
  • Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Make the most of tax-efficient savings on National Insurance, pension contributions, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
  • Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme offers a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, a second medical opinion service, and more.
  • Perks & Rewards – Access to wages before payday, salary finance support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, discounted gym memberships, and savings on theme parks, shopping, and entertainment!
  • Team Competitions & Events – Win a trip to Cuba, Brazil and beyond! Team parties, and even a chance to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers.

What You’ll Do as a Head Chef:

  • Work closely with the management team to achieve restaurant goals.
  • Lead the guest experience by ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.
  • Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and kitchen hygiene.
  • Create a fun, motivating team environment, with a focus on developing and nurturing talent.
  • Be commercially minded, analysing profit & loss accounts to make strong financial decisions and drive efficiency.

Who We’re Looking For:

At Las Iguanas, our teams are like family. We put people at the heart of everything we do, creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where you can be yourself, feel supported, and grow your career. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’ve got you.

Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can be great for getting started, but what really makes an application shine is you, your energy, experience, personality, and leadership style.

What’s the process?

Application → CV review → friendly phone chat → first-stage interview → second-stage interview → offer and onboarding.

At Las Iguanas, we don’t just look for experience – we look for people with a genuine love for hospitality who care about their teams and our guests. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to the family.

Apply now and bring your leadership to the Las Iguanas kitchen!

Head Chef employer: Las Iguanas Glasgow

Las Iguanas is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where individuality is celebrated and teamwork thrives. As a Head Chef, you will enjoy a competitive package, including generous discounts, career growth opportunities through fully funded apprenticeships, and a comprehensive wellbeing support system. Join us in a fast-paced kitchen environment that prioritises passion, creativity, and the development of talent, making every day a rewarding experience.

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Contact Details:

Las Iguanas Glasgow Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

Tip Number 1

Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before your interview, pop into Las Iguanas and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the team culture and help you connect during your interview.

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for food! Bring some of your own ideas to the table about how you’d elevate the menu or improve kitchen efficiency. This will demonstrate your creativity and commitment to making the kitchen a vibrant place.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to talk about your leadership style. Think about examples where you’ve inspired your team or handled pressure like a pro. Las Iguanas loves a Head Chef who can lead from the front and keep the energy high!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest in the role by asking about team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they celebrate successes. It’s a great way to show you’re genuinely excited about joining the Las Iguanas family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership
Team Management
Culinary Skills
Creativity
Cost Management
Food Safety Standards
Kitchen Hygiene

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. We want to see your personality and energy, so don’t hold back on sharing what makes you tick in the kitchen!

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head Chef role. Highlight your leadership experience and any creative dishes you've developed. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a team, so show us how you’ve done that before!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to read. Use bullet points if it helps – we want to get to know you quickly!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the Las Iguanas family!

How to prepare for a job interview at Las Iguanas Glasgow

Know Your Flavours

Before the interview, brush up on South American cuisine and the bold flavours that define it. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would incorporate those vibrant tastes into the menu at Las Iguanas.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your approach to training and developing chefs, and how you create a motivating environment. This is your chance to show how you inspire others!

Demonstrate Financial Savvy

Be ready to talk about how you manage costs, labour, and stock effectively. Bring examples of how you've analysed profit and loss accounts to make strong financial decisions in previous roles. This will show you're commercially minded and ready to drive efficiency.

Emphasise Team Spirit

Las Iguanas values individuality and teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you foster a positive culture in the kitchen. Share stories of team competitions or events you've organised, and how you celebrate your team's successes to create a fun atmosphere.