Head Chef

Parallel by Pasture - Cardiff; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

20% off food and drink

Growth opportunities

Long service

Paid volunteering

Staff trips

Employee assistance

Maternity & Paternity pay

Wagestream

Company events

Job summary

Parallel by Pasture in Cardiff is seeking a Head Chef to take full ownership of the kitchen, leading with purpose and building high-performing teams in a fast-paced, open-kitchen setting. You will drive standards, culture, and hospitality from the pass, while developing your team and delivering exceptional seasonal small plates that showcase Welsh and West Country ingredients.

Competitive base salary £40,000 plus a share of Tronc (£12,000–£13,600) with total earnings averaging over £53,600

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and develop a focused, motivated kitchen team
• Create a strong, inclusive culture where people grow
• Manage all kitchen systems: prep, ordering, GP, stock, rotas, and compliance
• Maintain full food safety and cleanliness standards
• Run clear, high-energy services with consistency and control
• Interact confidently with guests at the kitchen bar and lead hospitality from the pass
• Work closely with the front-of-house team to deliver a smooth, unified guest experience
• Set the creative and professional tone for everything that happens in the kitchen

Job description

Head Chef – Parallel by Pasture

Salary: £40,000 base + £12,000–£13,600 in Tronc (on average)

This role offers a base salary of £40,000, plus a competitive share of Tronc. 100% of Tronc is distributed directly to staff, averaging a total potential earnings of over £53,600 annually.

Be Part of the Experience at Parallel

Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, Parallel is a vibrant and immersive dining destination that sits alongside its renowned sister restaurant, Pasture. Built around the theatre of live-fire cooking and exceptional hospitality, Parallel offers a dynamic, high-energy experience where guests can enjoy beautifully crafted food, outstanding drinks, and a front-row seat to the action.

Our intimate dining room is centred around an open kitchen and chef's counter, allowing guests to watch the team work their magic while enjoying a menu of expertly crafted small plates and Parallel favourites. The menu evolves monthly, showcasing the very best seasonal ingredients from Wales and the West Country, ensuring every visit offers something new to discover.

Adding to the experience is the exciting new Parallel Bar – a sleek and stylish cocktail destination in its own right. Here, guests can enjoy expertly mixed cocktails, carefully selected wines, premium spirits, and delicious nibbles while watching the theatre of our talented bartenders at work. Whether stopping in for pre-dinner drinks, settling in for an evening with friends, or making the bar the main event, Parallel Bar offers an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming.

At Parallel, creativity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality are at the heart of everything we do. We're always looking for passionate, talented individuals who want to be part of a team dedicated to delivering memorable experiences and pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be.

Croeso i Parallel — welcome to something special.

Parallel by Pasture is all about energy, creativity, and precision, a vibrant, open-kitchen restaurant serving bold, seasonal small plates directly to guests at the bar. Every dish is ingredient-led, and every detail matters. This is a place where food, people, and service all carry equal weight.

We’re now looking for a Head Chef to take full ownership of the kitchen, someone who lives for food, leads with purpose, and builds high-performing teams that love what they do. This is more than just managing the pass. You’ll be shaping the culture, setting the standards, and driving service from the heart of the room.

What you’ll be doing

As Head Chef, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of the kitchen, leading from the front, developing your team, and delivering consistent quality, service, and systems. You’ll create an environment where standards are high, people are supported, and everything runs with clarity and confidence.

You’ll also be a key part of the guest experience, working from an open kitchen and connecting with diners throughout service.

You’ll

• Lead, train, and develop a focused, motivated kitchen team
• Create a strong, inclusive culture where people grow and take pride in their work
• Manage all kitchen systems: prep, ordering, GP, stock, rotas, and compliance
• Maintain full food safety and cleanliness standards, always five-star EHO ready
• Run clear, calm, high-energy services with consistency and controlInteract confidently with guests at the kitchen bar and lead hospitality from the pass
• Work closely with the front-of-house team to deliver a smooth, unified guest experience
• Set the creative and professional tone for everything that happens in the kitchen

You

You’re passionate, focused, and deeply committed to doing things properly, from how a tomato is sliced to how a new chef is trained. You lead with clarity, keep a cool head under pressure, and care about the team as much as the food. You understand that great kitchens are built on great culture, and you set that standard every day. You’re confident on the pass, calm in the chaos, and proud of the energy and care you bring to your work. Whether it’s service, systems, or standards, you own it.

This is the perfect opportunity for someone looking to start their career in hospitality or anyone who loves working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. If that sounds like you,

Benefits at Pasture

• The hourly rate shown includes a competitive share of Tronc: 100% of Tronc is distributed to the staff.
• 28 days holiday - including bank holidays
• 20% off food and drink in our restaurants for up to six people
• Opportunity for growth and progression
• Long service benefits
• 1 day of paid volunteering per year, with a charity of your choice
• Regular staff trips are arranged to our farm and to our suppliers
• Employee assistance program provided by Hospitality Action
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Wagestream
• Company events and parties