Head Chef

CV Locator; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A popular café in Gloucester is seeking a Head Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence menu development and engage in business decisions within a supportive environment. The position involves no late nights, ensuring a balanced workweek with sociable hours. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, from-scratch cooking expertise, and experience in managing food costs and quality control. This is a chance to join a growing business with real influence over its culinary direction.

Qualifications

• Experienced chef with a passion for from-scratch cooking.
• Proven track record of leading kitchen teams effectively.
• Strong understanding of food costs and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations ensuring high standards.
• Develop and refine seasonal brunch menus.
• Source quality ingredients and manage supplier relationships.
• Control food costings and minimize waste.
• Implement clear systems for efficient service.
• Train and develop kitchen team members.
• Ensure food safety and compliance with regulations.
• Participate in broader business decisions.

Skills

from-scratch cooking

leadership experience

food cost management

quality control

team collaboration

Job description

We’re recruiting for a Head Chef to take ownership of a well-loved, growing café operation in Gloucester. This is a visible, open-kitchen role with real influence over food, systems, and how the business evolves.

No evenings. No late nights. Just great food, strong leadership, and a balanced working week.

£32,000–£34,000 per year (depending on experience)

40 hours per week, 5 days

Daytime-only operation – no evenings

Real input into menu development and business decisions

Supportive owner-led business

Opportunity to grow with the café as it develops

Responsibilities as Head Chef

Lead the kitchen day-to-day with consistency and high standards

Develop and refine a seasonal, creative, and commercially sound brunch menu

Source quality ingredients and manage supplier relationships

Control food costings, GP, stock, and waste

Put clear, practical systems in place to support smooth service

Train, support, and develop the kitchen team

Work closely with FOH to improve communication and service flow

Take ownership of food safety, EHO compliance, and kitchen records

Play an active role in wider business decisions alongside management

What We’re Looking For

An experienced chef confident in from‑scratch cooking

Proven leadership experience in a kitchen environment

Strong understanding of food costs, consistency, and quality control

Comfortable working in an open kitchen and engaging with FOH

Experience in independent or owner‑led businesses preferred

Confident working independently, including lone working for part of the week

A team player who’s happy to muck in during busy services

The Environment

The kitchen team includes the Head Chef, one full‑time chef, and one part‑time chef, supported by a cross‑trained FOH team. The role includes some lone working, making it ideal for a confident, organised chef who enjoys autonomy and ownership.

If you’re looking for a Head Chef role with sociable hours, real influence, and the chance to shape a growing business, this is a fantastic opportunity.

Apply now with your CV, or get in touch to discuss the role in more detail.