At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen prep and service, ensuring high standards and consistency.
- Company: Join Salt & Fettle, a vibrant café focused on fresh, seasonal food.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, structured daytime shifts, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to train junior staff and contribute to menu development.
- Why this job: Be part of a new business and showcase your culinary skills in a calm setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef or kitchen supervisor with strong organisation skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a capable, organised and quality-driven Kitchen Lead / Café Chef to help run the food side of Salt & Fettle. This is not a traditional restaurant head chef role. The food development and overall concept direction will be established before launch, so this role is focused on executing the menu well, maintaining consistency, leading prep and service, and keeping the kitchen organised, efficient and commercially sensible. The kitchen is compact and the operation is daytime-led, so this role would suit a chef who enjoys structured service, strong prep systems, good presentation and high standards without the chaos of a late-night restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day kitchen prep and service
- Execute the menu consistently to agreed standards
- Maintain strong presentation, portion control and food quality
- Follow and help refine recipe specs, prep systems and service routines
- Organise prep effectively for café service, member lunches, pre-orders and event catering
- Train and support junior kitchen staff / prep support
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety and allergen control
- Manage stock carefully, rotate properly and minimise waste
- Identify stock needs and support ordering
- Keep the kitchen clean, calm, efficient and service-ready at all times
- Work closely with front of house to ensure smooth service
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience as a chef, café chef, kitchen supervisor, chef de partie or similar
- Strong prep and organisation skills
- Good understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen discipline
- Able to work well in a compact kitchen and keep standards high
- Calm under pressure and consistent in output
- Commercially aware — understands waste, portioning and efficiency
- Happy to be hands-on and part of building a new business from launch
- Interested in fresh, seasonal, health-conscious and well-presented food
Role Type
- Full-time
- 40 hours per week
- Daytime-led shifts, with weekends and occasional later event/catering work
Daytime Café Kitchen Lead: Precision, Prep & Service in Lincoln employer: Only Chefs Ltd
At Salt & Fettle, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where creativity meets quality. As a Daytime Café Kitchen Lead, you will enjoy a structured service atmosphere that allows for personal growth and the opportunity to shape our culinary offerings while working with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Our commitment to high standards, employee development, and a collaborative culture makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the culinary field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Daytime Café Kitchen Lead: Precision, Prep & Service in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café's vibe! Before your interview, pop in for a coffee and observe how the kitchen operates. This will help you understand their style and give you some great talking points when you chat with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish that showcases your culinary flair. It’s a fantastic way to demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to maintain high standards in presentation and quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about organisation! Since this role is all about keeping things efficient, come prepared with examples of how you've managed prep and service in previous roles. We love hearing about your systems and strategies!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest in the café’s concept and menu. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Daytime Café Kitchen Lead: Precision, Prep & Service in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for food shine through! Share your experiences with fresh, seasonal ingredients and how you maintain high standards in your kitchen. We want to know what excites you about being a Kitchen Lead!
Be Organised and Precise:Since this role is all about precision and organisation, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to showcase your skills in prep systems and kitchen management. We appreciate a tidy application as much as a tidy kitchen!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We’re looking for someone who can lead and support junior staff, so don’t forget to mention your teamwork skills! Share examples of how you've trained others or worked collaboratively in a kitchen setting. We love a good team player!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Only Chefs Ltd
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with the menu and any specific dishes that will be served. This shows your passion for the role and helps you discuss how you can execute the menu consistently while maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen prep and service in the past. Discuss your strategies for keeping a compact kitchen organised and efficient, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Calm Under Pressure
Be ready to share experiences where you’ve maintained composure during busy service times. Highlight how you ensure quality and consistency even when things get hectic, as this is key for a daytime-led operation.
✨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure to talk about your understanding of food safety, allergen control, and hygiene practices. This is vital for the role, so be prepared to answer questions on how you maintain these standards in a kitchen environment.
