Head Chef

HR-CL Limited; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned café in Gloucester is seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen operations. This role emphasizes from-scratch cooking and offers the chance to influence menu development and business decisions in a supportive environment. The position entails no late nights, allowing for a healthy work-life balance in a customer-facing open kitchen. Ideal candidates should have proven leadership experience and a strong understanding of food management, making this an attractive opportunity for experienced chefs looking to shape a growing business.

Benefits

Salary between £32,000–£34,000 per year

40 hours per week

No late nights

Opportunity to grow with the café

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a kitchen environment.
• Strong understanding of food costs, consistency, and quality control.
• 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 brunch menu.
• Source quality ingredients and manage supplier relationships.
• Control food costings, GP, stock, and waste.
• Train, support, and develop the kitchen team.

Skills

from-scratch cooking

leadership in kitchen

food cost management

quality control

communication with FOH

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.

Benefits

• £32,000–£34,000 per year (depending on experience)
• 40 hours per week, 5 days
• Daytime-only operation – no evenings
• Open, customer-facing kitchen
• 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

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