Head Chef

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing café operation in Gloucester is seeking a Head Chef to lead a creative kitchen team. This role offers sociable hours and significant influence over menu development and food quality. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, be confident in from-scratch cooking, and be comfortable in an open kitchen setting. This is a fantastic opportunity for chefs seeking autonomy in their work environment, and it includes a competitive salary of £32,000–£34,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Experienced chef confident in from-scratch cooking.
• Proven leadership experience in a kitchen environment.
• Comfortable working in an open kitchen and engaging with FOH.
• Experience in independent or owner-led businesses preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Train, support, and develop the kitchen team.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong understanding of food costs

From-scratch cooking

Team player

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.

Just great food, strong leadership, and a balanced working week.

Benefits

• Pay: £32,000–£34,000 per year (depending on experience)
• Working hours: 40 hours per week, 5 days (Daytime-only operation)
• No evenings

Responsibilities

• 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.

Environment

The kitchen team includes the Head Chef, one full-time chef, and one part-time chef, supported by a cross‑trained FOH team.

How to Apply

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.

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).