At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting seasonal menus and high-quality pub meals.
- Company: Wilson's Northern Quarter, a lively bar & kitchen in Manchester's creative hub.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, professional growth opportunities, and discounts on food and events.
- Other info: Enjoy evenings off while working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Why this job: Take charge of a dynamic kitchen and shape an exciting food experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in casual dining, strong leadership, and knowledge of British pub food.
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?
- Manage the day-to-day kitchen operations in a busy pub or gastropub.
- Prepare and oversee the production of fresh, high-quality pub meals.
- Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team to achieve service standards.
- Develop seasonal menus and daily specials.
- Monitor food costs, stock rotation, wastage, and supplier orders.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, and Health & Safety regulations.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and kitchen organisation.
- Work closely with front-of-house management to ensure excellent customer experience.
- Manage kitchen staffing levels, rotas, and performance.
- Deliver efficient service during busy lunch, dinner, and weekend periods.
What are we looking for?
- Strong experience in pub, gastropub, or casual dining kitchens.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in high-volume service.
- Good understanding of British pub food and menu development.
- Knowledge of stock control and GP (gross profit) management.
- Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificate preferred.
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 for Busy Pub Kitchen | Seasonal Menus & Growth employer: Malacuna
At Wilson's Northern Quarter, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and dynamic employer in the heart of Manchester's creative scene. Our commitment to quality and consistency fosters a supportive work culture where you can thrive as a Head Chef, with opportunities for professional development and growth within our expanding company. Enjoy the unique advantage of a balanced work-life schedule, with evenings free, alongside generous discounts across our accommodations, restaurants, and events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef for Busy Pub Kitchen | Seasonal Menus & Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into Wilson's for a drink or a bite. Familiarising yourself with the vibe and menu will help you connect better during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing menu ideas, bring some seasonal concepts to the table. This will demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to innovate in a busy kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Talk about teamwork! Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen team and how you motivate others. Wilson's thrives on collaboration, so showing you can build a strong team is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their current challenges or future plans. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to Wilson's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef for Busy Pub Kitchen | Seasonal Menus & Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating seasonal menus. We want to see your personality and creativity in the kitchen!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role at Wilson's. Highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can manage a busy pub kitchen, so make that clear!
Be Clear About Your Experience:In your application, be specific about your past roles and responsibilities. Mention any experience with menu development, stock control, and team management. We want to know how you’ve handled the pressures of a fast-paced environment!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 type of food Wilson's serves. Brush up on British pub classics and think about how you can bring your own twist to seasonal menus. Being able to discuss specific dishes and your ideas for specials will show your passion and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed a busy service or resolved conflicts within the team. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
✨Understand Cost Control
Familiarise yourself with stock control and GP management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve previously monitored food costs and minimised wastage. Showing that you have a solid grasp of these concepts will reassure them that you can manage the kitchen efficiently.
✨Emphasise Your Customer Focus
Wilson's values excellent customer experience, so be prepared to talk about how you’ve collaborated with front-of-house teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve ensured that the kitchen supports a seamless dining experience, especially during busy periods. This will highlight your understanding of the full restaurant operation.
