Head Chef

Wolds Wine Estate; Keyworth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive working environment

Opportunities for career growth

Beautiful rural location

Job summary

A beautiful vineyard café in Keyworth is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead kitchen operations. This hands-on role requires a passion for seasonal food and the ability to create innovative menus for both everyday meals and events. The café will focus on local produce and community hospitality, with a predominantly daytime service. A competitive salary and supportive working environment are offered, alongside opportunities to influence future food directions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Background in café, casual dining, or daytime-led hospitality.
• Experience with events or corporate catering is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the kitchen team for smooth operations.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Develop innovative menus with locally sourced ingredients.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs, and GP.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food presentation

Stock management

Food safety compliance

Job description

Developing an English wine estate in South Nottinghamshire.

Location: Nottinghamshire

Venue: 80-cover destination café on a working vineyard with additional outdoor seating for 40 covers.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 45 hours per week

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a destination café set within a beautiful Nottinghamshire vineyard. Opening in late Spring 2026, our café will serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks, alongside private and corporate events, with a strong focus on local, seasonal produce and community hospitality.

This is a hands‑on role, ideal for a chef who enjoys creating thoughtful, approachable food in a relaxed but high‑quality environment.

The Role

• Lead and supervise the kitchen team to ensure smooth daily operations and high‑quality food production.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to meet established standards and customer expectations.
• Develop innovative menus in collaboration with management, incorporating locally sourced and seasonal ingredients as well as current culinary trends.
• Create and execute menus for events and corporate bookings.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs, and GP.
• Lead, train, and motivate a small kitchen team in areas such as food preparation techniques, safety procedures, and service standards.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and maintain rigorous hygiene standards across the kitchen.
• Work closely with front‑of‑house and management to deliver great guest experiences.
• Play a pivotal role in maintaining a vibrant and efficient kitchen environment.
• Stay updated on industry developments to continuously improve culinary offerings.

About You

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Background in café, casual dining, or daytime‑led hospitality.
• Passion for seasonal food and local provenance.
• Organised, calm, and commercially aware.
• Confident leading a small team in a hands‑on role.
• Experience with events or corporate catering is a bonus.

What We Offer

• Permanent position, 45 hours per week, depending upon business levels.
• Predominantly daytime service with varied event work and the future potential for evening service.
• The opportunity to contribute to strategic plans to grow the business including evening events such as pop‑up, demonstrations and speciality food and drink events.
• Opportunity to shape menus and food direction.
• Supportive, community‑focused working environment.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Beautiful rural vineyard location.

Interested?

Apply with your CV and a short note about your experience and approach to food.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Wineries