At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen prep and service, ensuring high standards and consistency.
- Company: Join Salt & Fettle, a fresh and innovative café environment.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, structured daytime shifts, and a chance to shape a new business.
- Other info: Opportunity to train junior staff and grow within a dynamic café setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team focused on fresh, seasonal, and health-conscious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen role with strong organisation and food safety knowledge.
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
Kitchen Lead / Café Chef in Lincoln employer: Only Chefs Ltd
At Salt & Fettle, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where creativity and quality are at the forefront of our culinary operations. As a Kitchen Lead / Café Chef, you will enjoy a structured daytime-led schedule that allows for a balanced work-life, while also having the opportunity to develop your skills and lead a passionate team in delivering exceptional food experiences. Our commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and high standards ensures that you will be part of a rewarding journey in building a new business from the ground up.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Lead / Café Chef in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, café owners, or anyone in the food industry. Attend local food events or workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to cafés or restaurants you admire and express your interest in working with them. You never know when an opportunity might pop up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to check it out and submit your application to join our team at Salt & Fettle!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Lead / Café Chef in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous roles as a chef or kitchen supervisor. We want to see how your experience aligns with our need for strong prep and organisation skills, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what you can bring to the table.
Demonstrate Your Passion:Let us know why you’re excited about this role! Share your love for fresh, seasonal food and how you maintain high standards in a compact kitchen. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely enthusiastic about building something great.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Kitchen Lead / Café Chef position. Let’s get started!
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 and maintain high standards.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
Since this role requires strong prep and organisation skills, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations in the past. Discuss your methods for keeping a compact kitchen efficient and calm, especially during busy service times.
✨Demonstrate Your Food Safety Knowledge
Be ready to talk about food safety practices, allergen control, and hygiene standards. This is crucial for the role, so sharing specific experiences where you maintained these standards will impress the interviewers.
✨Express Your Team Spirit
This position involves training and supporting junior staff, so highlight your teamwork and leadership skills. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen environment and collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service.
