Head Chef

Knekt Hub Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern brasserie in Derby is seeking a Head Chef to lead kitchen operations and develop a new menu. This role offers a manageable 40-hour work week in a supportive atmosphere, ideal for someone stepping up or an experienced Head Chef wanting a less intense pace. Responsibilities include guiding a capable team, maintaining quality, and contributing creatively to the restaurant's evolving identity. The position promises opportunities for salary growth and personal input into menu direction in a respected venue.

Benefits

Staff meals

Pension contribution

Creative freedom

Qualifications

• Strong Junior Sous or Sous Chef wanting progression.
• Calm and organized leadership style.
• Creative flair with understanding of costings.

Responsibilities

• Help develop and shape the new menu.
• Lead a small capable team.
• Maintain consistency and quality.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Food Handling

Restaurant Experience

Kitchen Management Experience

Food Preparation Experience

Leadership Experience

Job description

Overview

Head Chef Modern Brasserie ConceptHours Ideal First Head Chef Role

Location : Derby

Salary : 36000 DOE

Hours : Approx. 40 hours per week

Contract : Full-time permanent

A rare opportunity has opened for a talented Junior Sous or Sous Chef ready for their first Head Chef role OR an experienced Head Chef seeking a better work-life balance working an average 40-hour week in a supportive established environment.

The restaurant is transitioning from a formal fine-dining identity to a more modern relaxed brasserie-style concept with a focus on flavour simplicity and fresh seasonal cooking. This is an exciting moment to step in and help define the next chapter.

Its the perfect setup for someone who wants creative input stability and a calmer pace without losing the enjoyment and pride that comes with cooking great food.

About the Venue

This well-established riverside restaurant has a strong local following and is evolving its offer to become more accessible and contemporary. Expect a menu based around :

Fresh pastas

Grilled meats & steaks

Flatbreads

Fish dishes

Seasonal small plates

Classic favourites cooked from scratch

High quality modern flavour-led cooking without fine dining pressure.

The Opportunity

Youll have a genuine say in the direction of the kitchen and will be trusted to :

Help develop and shape the new menu

Refine prep systems & kitchen organisation

Lead a small capable team

Maintain consistency and quality

Recruit and train your right-hand support when needed

Bring fresh ideas that suit the changing concept

This is a supportive environment ideal for someone stepping up for the first time OR someone experienced who wants a less intense pace than high-end kitchens.

Working Pattern

(Approx. 40 Hours)

A realistic and balanced rota based on updated opening hours :

Wednesday Friday : Prep dinner service

Saturday : Brunch / lunch dinner

Sunday : Daytime service only

A Head Chef role without 60-70 hour weeks extremely rare in todays market.

What Were Looking For

A strong Junior Sous or Sous Chef wanting progression OR an experienced Head Chef wanting a more manageable schedule

Background in fresh food restaurants modern British or brasserie-style kitchens

Calm organised leadership style

Creative flair with understanding of costings

Able to run a small kitchen confidently

Someone excited to build a new identity and menu direction

Passion for flavour-led cooking without unnecessary complexity

Salary & Package

36000 depending on experience

Opportunity to increase salary as the new concept grows

Full creative input into menus

Ability to shape your own team

Supportive ownership and a collaborative working culture

Staff meals pension contribution and typical restaurant benefits

Why This Role Stands Out

• Perfect first Head Chef step-up
• Equally ideal for an experienced Head Chef wanting a better lifestyle
• 40-hour week
• Creative freedom
• Supportive owners no corporate pressure
• A respected venue ready for a fresh direction

Apply Now

For more details or to apply :

Key Skills

Culinary Experience,Food Handling,Restaurant Experience,Kitchen Management Experience,Food Preparation Experience,Kitchen Experience,Food Industry,Cooking,Cost Control,Baking,Sanitation,Leadership Experience

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1