At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create seasonal menus, and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Wilson's Northern Quarter, a lively bar & kitchen in Manchester's creative hub.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, 40 hours a week, professional growth, and discounts on food and events.
- Other info: Enjoy evenings off while working in a friendly, modern atmosphere.
- Why this job: Shape an exciting food offer in a fast-paced environment with a strong local following.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as head chef or senior sous chef, strong leadership, and creativity in menu design.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Wilson's Northern Quarter is hiring a new head chef! Wilson's is a vibrant, all day bar & kitchen in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter, a neighbourhood known for its independent spirit, creative energy and thriving food and drink scene. Blending relaxed brunch, modern small plates and a strong drinks offering, the venue transitions seamlessly from daytime brunch culture into a lively late night social hub, with live music, events and a packed weekend trade.
Rooted in a casual, high volume environment with a strong local following, Wilson's is built on quality, consistency and personality, making it an exciting space for a Head Chef looking to shape a dynamic, evolving food offer. We're fast paced & high volume. If you're a Head Chef or a Senior Sous Chef ready to take ownership of a new kitchen, we want to hear from you. The kitchen is open from 9am seven days a week but closed for 8pm in the week & 7pm on weekends, take back control of your evenings!
What will your responsibilities be?
- Oversee and manage all kitchen operation.
- Lead, train and motivate kitchen staff to maintain high standards.
- Plan and develop seasonal menus with cost control in mind.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and allergen standards.
- Manage inventory, ordering and supplier relationships.
- Monitor food quality, presentation and consistency during service.
- Work closely with the Bar & restaurant manager to align kitchen operation with overall business goals.
The position is based at a cozy pub-restaurant offering a varied menu, full breakfasts, and quality brunch options. Friendly and dynamic service in a casual, modern atmosphere. Focused on great food, customer care, and an enjoyable dining experience.
What are we looking for?
- Minimum 3 years experience as head chef or senior sous chef in a busy kitchen.
- Valid level 3 food hygiene certificate.
- Strong knowledge of cost control, GP targets, and stock management.
- Proven leadership and organisational skills.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Excellent communication and teamwork.
- Leadership under pressure.
- Creativity with menu design and presentation.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to train and motivate diverse kitchen staff.
- Reliability and consistency.
What do we offer?
- Contract type: Permanent.
- 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 (rotating shifts including weekends).
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within an expanding company.
- Discounts on our accommodations, restaurants, and events.
- Plus, enjoy additional discounts across various sectors through the Corporate Benefits platform.
Head Chef employer: Malacuna
Contact Detail:
Malacuna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into Wilson's for a brunch or a drink. Familiarising yourself with the vibe and menu will help you connect better during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing your menu ideas, don’t hold back. Share some unique concepts that align with Wilson's style. This is your chance to impress them with your culinary flair and vision for the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about leadership! They want someone who can motivate and train the team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before, especially in high-pressure situations. It’s all about showing you can keep the team on point!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance to stand out. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! We want to see your personality and enthusiasm for the role of Head Chef at Wilson's. Share what excites you about creating menus and leading a kitchen team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this position. Highlight your experience in busy kitchens, especially any leadership roles. We’re looking for someone who can manage a high-volume environment, so don’t forget to mention relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on your key skills and experiences that align with the job description. This will help us see why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our vibrant team at Wilson's!
How to prepare for a job interview at Malacuna
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the current menu at Wilson's. Think about how you could enhance it or introduce new seasonal dishes. This shows your creativity and understanding of their culinary style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Discuss specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your staff to maintain high standards under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire.
✨Understand Cost Control
Brush up on your knowledge of cost control and GP targets. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed inventory and supplier relationships effectively in previous roles. This is crucial for a head chef position, so show them you’ve got it covered!
✨Be Ready for a Practical Test
Expect that they might want to see your cooking skills in action. Prepare for a practical test by practising your knife skills and cooking techniques. Being able to showcase your culinary prowess will set you apart from other candidates.