Head Chef — Lead Kitchen & Menu Innovation

Select; Ely; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Select, Destination Retail in Cambridge, is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead the kitchen and drive a refreshed food offering. You will own the day-to-day operations, inspire a team and deliver high-quality dishes that reflect the business standards.

You will balance creativity with commercial awareness, develop menus, manage costs and ensure consistent, excellent service in a bustling destination retail setting. This role offers a daytime-focused, customer‑facing leadership opportunity.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen leader
• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Ability to develop menus and manage costs
• Comply with hygiene and safety standards

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen day-to-day and inspire the team
• Ensure food quality, consistency and presentation
• Develop menus and introduce fresh ideas
• Control food costs, stock, ordering and waste
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards
• Coordinate kitchen operations with wider management
• Create a positive kitchen culture and great guest experience

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu development

Food costing

Kitchen management

Culinary excellence

Job description

Select, Destination Retail in Cambridge, is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead the kitchen and drive a refreshed food offering. You will own the day-to-day operations, inspire a team and deliver high-quality dishes that reflect the business standards.

You will balance creativity with commercial awareness, develop menus, manage costs and ensure consistent, excellent service in a bustling destination retail setting. This role offers a daytime-focused, customer‑facing leadership opportunity.