At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-volume kitchen, creating fresh, seasonal dishes and premium pub classics.
- Company: Almond Family Pubs, a proud, independent, family-owned group.
- Benefits: Generous tips, performance bonuses, flexible hours, and 50% off food for you and friends.
- Other info: Join a fun, inclusive environment with excellent training and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving kitchen with a supportive, family-like culture.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading high-volume kitchens and strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 35040 - 35040 £ per year.
£17.00 per hour + generous tips & bonus (Paid for every hour worked)
The Station House, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7AA
We’re Almond Family Pubs – a proud, independent, family-owned group known for doing things properly. Since opening in October, our newly refurbished premium pub in Cheadle Hulme has quickly established itself as a high-performing, food-led destination at the heart of the local community.
Now, we’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef to take full control of the kitchen and drive it into its next phase. This role isn’t for everyone. With 200 covers inside and a further 230 outside, this is a large, high-volume kitchen with a proven appetite for quality.
We’re looking for a visible, hands-on leader who can:
- Step into an established team and take control quickly
- Lead from the front during busy services
- Bring structure, pace and consistency to a high-performing kitchen
If you prefer to sit back, delegate from a distance, or avoid difficult conversations - this won’t be the right fit.
The opportunity: The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes alongside premium pub classics, and the kitchen sits at the centre of the pub’s success.
You’ll:
- Lead, develop and shape a talented brigade
- Have the autonomy to put your stamp on a thriving operation
- Work in a business that genuinely values standards, culture and consistency
This is a chance to step into a well-traded, high-profile kitchen where your impact will be visible immediately. With a superb collection of beautiful pubs across Stockport and surrounding areas, Almond Family Pubs is a special place to build your career. As a close-knit, 100% family-owned business, we’re passionate about great pubs, exceptional hospitality and memorable food.
What we offer:
- Excellent tips – currently averaging £3 per hour
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Flexible hours with a healthy life/work balance
- 50% off food for you and 3 others across all Almond Family Pubs
- Excellent training, development and progression opportunities
- Free food and drinks whilst on shift
- A fun, supportive and inclusive environment with a genuine family feel
- Regular team events and incentives
As Head Chef, you will:
- Take full ownership of the kitchen, from prep to pass
- Be a visible leader during service, setting the tone and pace
- Lead, inspire and develop your team to deliver consistent, top-quality food
- Build a strong kitchen culture with clear standards and accountability
- Drive high standards in food safety, cleanliness and compliance
- Work closely with the GM and Operations Chef to hit targets and maximise performance
- Manage stock, GP and wastage with confidence and consistency
- Ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, even under pressure
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience leading high-volume, premium kitchens
- Can demonstrate how they’ve taken control of a kitchen and improved it
- Is commercially strong – confident with GP, stock and margins
- Leads from the front and isn’t afraid to challenge or reset standards
- Builds respect quickly with their team
- Stays calm, focused and decisive during busy services
- Has high personal standards and expects the same from others
- Is hands-on, proactive and proud of what they deliver
Our values:
- People First
- One Big Happy Family
- Prioritising Today’s Guests
- Sustainability, Innovative & Future Proof
- Excellence
- Warm & Welcome
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
One final thing: We’re looking for someone who wants to own this kitchen, not just manage it. If you’re ready to step into a busy, successful site and make a real impact - we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Stockport employer: the station house
Contact Detail:
the station house Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub's vibe! Before your interview, pop in for a meal or a drink. This way, you can chat with staff and customers, and get a feel for the atmosphere. It’ll help you tailor your approach and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about challenges you faced and how you turned things around. We want to see that you can step in and take charge!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your menu ideas! Think about how you can bring fresh, seasonal dishes to the table. Share your vision for the kitchen and how you plan to maintain high standards. This will demonstrate your passion and creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show us you’re invested by asking about the team dynamics, kitchen culture, and what success looks like in this role. It’s a two-way street, and we want to make sure it’s the right fit for both sides.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences and what excites you about leading a kitchen. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely passionate about creating memorable dishes.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us how you've taken control of a kitchen and improved it. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage high-volume services. We’re keen to know how you’ve made an impact in your past positions.
Highlight Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for a visible leader who can inspire a team. In your application, describe your leadership style and how you motivate your brigade during busy services. Show us that you’re hands-on and ready to lead from the front!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our family at Almond Family Pubs!
How to prepare for a job interview at the station house
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes the pub serves. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance the menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients and premium pub classics. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of what makes a kitchen thrive.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a high-volume kitchen in the past. Talk about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team during busy services. This will demonstrate that you can step into the role and take control quickly.
✨Discuss Your Kitchen Culture Vision
Think about how you would build a strong kitchen culture at The Station House. Be ready to share your ideas on setting clear standards and accountability while fostering a supportive environment. This aligns with their values and shows you’re a good fit for their team.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing stock, GP, and wastage. Prepare to discuss your strategies for maintaining high standards in food safety and cleanliness. This will highlight your commercial strength and confidence in running a successful kitchen.