At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting fresh pub meals and developing exciting seasonal menus.
- Company: Wilson's Northern Quarter, a lively bar & kitchen in Manchester's creative hub.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, 40 hours a week, professional development, and discounts on food and events.
- Other info: Enjoy evenings off while working in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.
- Why this job: Take charge of a dynamic kitchen and shape an evolving food offer in a buzzing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in casual dining, strong leadership skills, 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.
Chef Manager - Wilson´s Manchester employer: Malacuna
Wilson's Northern Quarter is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of Manchester's creative scene. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to quality, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values individuality and teamwork. The unique advantage of working here includes flexible hours that allow you to reclaim your evenings, alongside generous discounts on accommodations and events, making it a rewarding place for passionate culinary professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Wilson´s Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and mingle with other chefs and industry folks. Attend local food events or workshops in Manchester's Northern Quarter 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 kitchen to showcase your culinary creations. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to places you admire, like Wilson's, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference and show your enthusiasm for joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your social media profiles and LinkedIn with your latest achievements and culinary projects. Employers often check these platforms, so let them see the best version of you!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Wilson´s Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences in the kitchen and what excites you about creating delicious meals. We want to see your personality and how it fits with our vibrant atmosphere.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head Chef role at Wilson's. Highlight your relevant experience in high-volume kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we're looking for!
Be Clear About Your Management Style:In your application, don't shy away from discussing how you lead and motivate a team. We’re all about collaboration and creating a positive kitchen environment, so share examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
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 could innovate their menu. Being able to discuss your ideas for seasonal 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 specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to keep the team engaged and performing well.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of High Volume Service
Wilson's is all about high volume and efficiency. Be ready to talk about your experience in busy kitchens and how you manage stress during peak times. Share strategies you’ve used to maintain quality while serving a large number of customers.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Safety Knowledge
Food safety is crucial in any kitchen. Make sure you can discuss your knowledge of HACCP and health regulations confidently. If you have your Food Hygiene Certificate, mention it! This shows you take safety seriously and are prepared to uphold high standards.
