At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, create seasonal menus, and ensure top-notch food quality.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, a vibrant restaurant brand committed to fresh, sustainable produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, delicious staff meals, and health support.
- Other info: Foster a positive kitchen culture and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new restaurant opening in Scotland and make your mark.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a senior kitchen role and a passion for seasonal cooking.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy, but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest. Ottolenghi Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for us, our first restaurant in Scotland. Opening in autumn 2026, this will be a vibrant, busy restaurant with a genuine commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability at its heart. We are now looking for a talented Head Chef to join our team and be part of something truly special from the very beginning.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team to achieve high standards in a supportive, dynamic environment.
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in quality, consistency, and food presentation.
- Champion Ottolenghi’s style of cooking, with a focus on coal cooking, bold flavours, and seasonal ingredients.
- Work closely with the Executive Development Chef to design and develop seasonal menus aligned with the Ottolenghi ethos.
- Manage food costs, ordering, and stock control efficiently and sustainably.
- Maintain exceptional food hygiene and safety standards across the kitchen.
- Manage labour controls, scheduling, and kitchen operations to maintain high standards while meeting financial targets.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop junior chefs, fostering growth and creativity.
- Create a positive, respectful kitchen culture where teamwork, learning, and accountability are valued.
- Work closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to ensure a seamless, memorable guest experience.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience in a senior kitchen role, ideally as Head Chef or Senior Sous in a high-volume, quality-led restaurant, minimum of 2 years.
- Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Creativity, curiosity, and a genuine love for fresh, seasonal cooking.
- A leader who leads with empathy, professionalism, and a hands‑on approach.
- A genuine passion for nurturing talent and building a strong, inclusive kitchen culture.
Key skills:
- Exceptional culinary skills with a strong understanding of flavour, technique, and seasonality.
- Confident leadership with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- Strong commercial understanding with proven experience running a kitchen efficiently and profitably.
- Excellent organisational skills across stock, labour, and operations.
- Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused and collaborative mindset.
- Comfortable with relevant kitchen management and IT systems.
- A genuine passion for food, people, and the Ottolenghi ethos.
What’s in it for you?
- 33 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
- Health and well‑being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral.
Edinburgh - Head Chef employer: Ottolenghi Limited.
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. As the Head Chef at our new Edinburgh location, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also enjoy exceptional benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, delicious staff meals, and comprehensive health support. Join us in this exciting journey to deliver fresh, seasonal cuisine while fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Edinburgh - Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend food events, and engage with local chefs. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner 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 kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Ottolenghi. Express your passion for their ethos and how you can contribute to their team. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques. Consider taking a short course or workshop to enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you're committed to growth and excellence in the kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Edinburgh - Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you about the Ottolenghi ethos. We want to see that genuine passion!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and developed others in previous roles. We’re all about creating a positive kitchen culture!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just say you have experience; give us the details! Mention specific kitchens you've worked in, the types of cuisine you've mastered, and any achievements you're proud of. We love a good story that highlights your skills!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get this journey started together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi Limited.
✨Know Your Ottolenghi
Before the interview, dive deep into Ottolenghi's ethos and culinary style. Familiarise yourself with their focus on fresh, seasonal produce and coal cooking techniques. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past, highlighting your hands-on approach and ability to foster a positive kitchen culture. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Ottolenghi values creativity in cooking, so come prepared with ideas for seasonal menus or unique dishes that reflect their bold flavours. Share your passion for experimenting with ingredients and how you can contribute to their vibrant menu from day one.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the restaurant's vision, team dynamics, and how they support their chefs' growth. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in being part of their journey in Edinburgh.
