At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen, create fresh menus, and serve high-quality café food.
- Company: Thriving independent café in the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
- Benefits: £34k salary, free meals, evenings off, and Christmas holidays.
- Other info: Direct access to owners for quick decision-making and menu influence.
- Why this job: Enjoy creative freedom and a fantastic work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh food environments and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Full-time Permanent Head Chef
Location: Kilnsey
Salary: £34,000 per year
No evening finishes – winter closing at 4:00pm and summer closing at 5:00pm
Every evening free
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Free meals on duty
Free on-site parking
Creative freedom over menus
Direct access to the owners with fast decision-making
Opportunity to influence future menu development
Work within a supportive independent business
Outstanding work-life balance
About the Role
My client is looking for an enthusiastic and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a thriving fresh food café in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Set within one of the region's most picturesque countryside destinations, the café attracts walkers, families, cyclists and visitors throughout the year who come to enjoy freshly prepared food in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Serving around 50 covers each day, the kitchen focuses on quality over quantity, using fresh ingredients to create dishes that encourage customers to return time and time again. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who wants to step away from late-night hospitality without sacrificing creativity or job satisfaction.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Prepare and serve fresh, high-quality café food
- Develop seasonal menus and daily specials
- Introduce new ideas, including expanding the menu towards modern gastro-style dishes
- Manage food ordering, stock control and kitchen organisation
- Maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness
- Lead and support the kitchen team while creating a positive working environment
One of the biggest advantages of this role is the freedom you’ll have. As part of an independent business, you’ll work directly with the owners, allowing ideas to be implemented quickly without the delays often found in larger organisations. Whether it’s introducing new dishes, refreshing equipment or improving kitchen operations, your input will genuinely shape the future of the business.
What We’re Looking For
- At least two years’ experience working as a chef in a fresh food environment
- Previous experience leading a kitchen or the ambition to step into your first Head Chef position
- A passion for fresh, seasonal produce
- A creative approach to menu development
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
- A positive, hands-on attitude with a willingness to support the wider team
- Pride in delivering consistently high-quality food
Why This Role Stands Out
Head Chef opportunities offering genuine work-life balance are becoming increasingly rare. With a 40-hour working week, no evening finishes, and the café closing by 4:00pm during the winter and 5:00pm throughout the summer, you’ll have every evening free to spend with family, friends or simply enjoying life outside of work. Combined with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day off each year, this role offers an excellent balance between a rewarding hospitality career and personal time.
If you’re looking for a Head Chef position where you can lead a kitchen, have real creative input and enjoy an outstanding quality of life, we’d love to hear from you.
Chefs for Chefs are committed to promoting equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability.
Head Chef - Kilnsey - Fresh Food Cafe - £34k - 40 Hour Week employer: RGIT Australia
RGIT Australia is an outstanding employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about the beauty industry. With hybrid working options and competitive benefits, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their careers while contributing to the success of innovative product portfolios. Join us in a vibrant environment where your expertise in product marketing can truly shine and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Kilnsey - Fresh Food Cafe - £34k - 40 Hour Week
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like RGIT Australia. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to RGIT Australia
Don't be shy about reaching out to RGIT Australia directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Kilnsey - Fresh Food Cafe - £34k - 40 Hour Week
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about RGIT Australia and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGIT Australia
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
