Head Chef

Sodexo; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job description

The world-famous Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh have a fantastic permanent opportunity for a Head Chef to join a unique sanctuary where truly magical events flourish. Set in 70 acres of abundant gardens, it commands panoramic views of the city skyline including Edinburgh Castle. Just a mile north of the city centre, it's a treasure trove of natural wonders dating back more than 350 years.

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef who has experience of both a retail café environment as well as plated service to support the refinement and development of spaces at the Royal Botanic Garden. The primary responsibilities of the Head Chef are to support the Executive Chef with the day to day operation of the John Hope Gateway Café, Arboretum Suite, Mobile Units and Events food delivery, ensuring that compliance standards are met as well as the creation and innovation of the menus across the site.

What you'll do

• Identify growth opportunities through innovation, new initiatives, and collaboration with the executive head chef and operations manager on seasonal and exhibition-based offerings.
• Ensure contract performance meets SLAs, delivering cost-effective services, and driving revenue growth by selling new service lines in partnership with the Head of Department.
• Manage P&L performance, improve training plans for casual staff, and oversee the development and expansion of the events department, including ticketed events and special offerings.
• Plan and manage food offers for key events, review budgets, and implement strategies to maximise profitability, sales, and service delivery efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and company regulations, while overseeing audits, training plans, and stock management to maintain high operational standards.
• Lead and develop kitchen teams, providing coaching, performance reviews, and recruitment, while fostering strong client relationships for long-term partnerships.
• Promote sustainability, health and well-being, and innovation in culinary performance, while enhancing the company's reputation and adhering to recruitment and service excellence standards.

What you bring

Essential

• Previous experience at Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
• Ability to work 5 over 7 with flexibility for evenings to support with events
• Menu development, planning, rotations incorporating seasonality
• Ability to plan and cost a menu accurately
• Excellent culinary skills with a flair for innovation and creativity
• Valid intermediate food hygiene certificate
• Strong leadership skills
• Intermediate Food Hygiene

Desirable

• IOSH
• Use of budgeting and menu planning tools
• Advanced Food Hygiene

What we offer:

Working with Heritage Portfolio is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• A salary of up to £38,000
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work-related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
• Flexible and dynamic work environment
  • Access to ongoing training and development programs
  • Countless opportunities to grow within the company.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.