Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 35000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead our brunch kitchen and create a high-quality daytime menu.
  • Company: Join a respected local café with a passion for food and community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, creative freedom, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make an impact with seasonal ingredients and build a calm, organised kitchen.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous with a passion for brunch.
  • Other info: Opportunity to grow with an independent business that values quality.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.

We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our brunch kitchen and help shape a focused, high-quality daytime menu. This role is for someone who loves simple food done properly—seasonal ingredients, strong flavours, clean presentation—and who enjoys building calm, organised kitchens that run smoothly during busy services. You’ll have creative input on menu development, ownership over kitchen standards, and the chance to grow with an independent café that cares deeply about food, people, and community.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the brunch menu from development to daily execution.
  • Run service confidently during busy weekend brunches.
  • Manage and mentor a small kitchen team.
  • Set systems for prep, ordering, stock, and food cost control.
  • Maintain excellent hygiene, consistency, and standards.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous ready to step up.
  • Brunch / café / bistro background preferred.
  • Organised, calm, and hands‑on leadership style.
  • Passion for seasonal, produce‑led cooking.
  • Strong understanding of food costs and kitchen efficiency.

Why this role

  • Daytime hours only.
  • Creative freedom within a clear, focused concept.
  • Small team, high standards, no ego kitchens.
  • Opportunity to grow with a respected independent business.

Job Details

  • Experience: Required
  • Employment: Full‑time
  • Salary: from £35,000 yearly
  • Starting time: Immediate start!

About Spread: Spread is a respected local coffee shop with a strong following. We’re entering our next phase by expanding into a sharp brunch and sandwich offering, designed to match our coffee standards and grow the business.

Head Chef employer: Spread

Spread is an excellent employer for those passionate about food and community, offering a unique opportunity to lead a brunch kitchen with creative freedom and a focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. With a supportive work culture that values calm and organised kitchens, employees can thrive in a small team environment while enjoying daytime hours and the chance for personal growth within a respected independent café. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant local setting.
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Contact Detail:

Spread Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, local foodies, and industry contacts. 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 brunch to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there 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 cafés and restaurants you admire. Express your passion for their food and ask if they’re looking for a Head Chef. It shows initiative and could lead to opportunities.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to get your foot in the door. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Menu Development
Service Management
Team Leadership
Food Cost Control
Hygiene Standards
Organisational Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Seasonal Cooking
Kitchen Efficiency
Strong Flavour Profiling
Presentation Skills
Mentoring
Creativity in Cooking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for seasonal and produce-led cooking shine through. Share any experiences or dishes that highlight your culinary creativity and commitment to quality ingredients.

Highlight Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead a kitchen! Describe your hands-on approach and how you manage and mentor your team. Give examples of how you've created calm and organised environments during busy services.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to detail your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. Mention any brunch, café, or bistro backgrounds you have, and don’t forget to touch on your understanding of food costs and kitchen efficiency.

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 get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Spread!

How to prepare for a job interview at Spread

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes that Spread offers and think about how you can contribute to their brunch menu. Be ready to discuss your ideas for seasonal ingredients and how you would execute them in a busy kitchen.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, your leadership will be key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, especially during peak times. Highlight your calm and organised approach, and how you mentor others to maintain high standards.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food

Express your love for simple, high-quality food and seasonal cooking. Share stories about your experiences with produce-led dishes and how you ensure clean presentation. This will resonate well with the café's ethos and show that you align with their values.

✨Understand Kitchen Efficiency

Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food costs and kitchen efficiency. Think about systems you’ve implemented in previous roles for prep, ordering, and stock control. Showing that you can manage these aspects effectively will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

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