Head Chef Pakistani Cuisine

Goldstar Chefs; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable hospitality recruiter seeks a Head Chef for a prominent Pakistani cuisine restaurant in Edinburgh. The role requires extensive experience in preparing high-quality Pakistani dishes and leading kitchen operations. Responsibilities include supervising kitchen staff, managing food costs, and contributing to menu development. The position offers a competitive salary package of around £45,000 along with benefits like paid holidays and a pension. Ideal candidates will have strong culinary skills, leadership qualities, and relevant culinary education.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday

Workplace pension

Employee care and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.
• Experience in authentic high-quality Pakistani cuisine.
• Technical knowledge of ingredient quality and sourcing.
• Minimum of 3 years as Head Chef, 7+ years total in professional roles.
• Health & Safety credentials and knowledge of HACCP protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and manage food preparation.
• Supervise junior chefs and handle stock control.
• Contribute to menu development and manage food costs.

Skills

Leadership qualities

Time Management

Creative and energetic

Attention to detail

Performance driven

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in culinary arts or similar

Job description

Welcome to GOLDSTAR CHEFS, the UK's main recruitment hub for International themed establishments seeking high calibre international hospitality professionals from around the world as well as within UK. The UK is probably the world's biggest and most advanced global cuisine market and an attractive job market for International Chefs and Hospitality Managers. As a reputed hospitality recruiter (and government-authorised migration specialist), we enable talented professionals like you to be hired in UK's diverse hospitality industry sectors.

We are recruiting a Head Chef on behalf of a highly popular modern Pakistani cuisine restaurant in the world‑famous city of Edinburgh, located in the landmark Leith Walk area. This tastefully designed venue offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience, with a menu that blends traditional flavours of Lahore with contemporary culinary creativity. Known for its elegant presentation, fresh ingredients, and exceptional service, this restaurant is a destination for lovers of authentic Pakistan dishes.

Are you a creative and passionate chef with outstanding skills? Are you ready for a new lifetime opportunity to do AMAZING work? Are you ready to discover a brighter, more rewarding and prosperous future for you and your family in the UK? Then take a look!

• Position: Head Chef
• Employer: Renowned Pakistani Cuisine Restaurant
• Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
• Gross salary package: circa £45,000 (incl. share of tronc/service charge + target‑led bonus)
• Weekly working hours/days: up to 48 hours / 5 days
• Benefits & Entitlements: 28 days paid holiday (pro‑rata), incentives, employer’s workplace pension, employee care and wellbeing support + more

As Head Chef you will lead kitchen operations and deliver exceptional Lahori‑style Pakistani cuisine. You’ll be responsible for supervising junior chefs, managing food preparation and presentation, overseeing purchasing and stock control, and maintaining food cost and gross profit targets. You’ll also handle relevant administrative duties and contribute to menu development.

Qualifications

• Eligibility to live and work in the UK
• Experience in the preparation of authentic high‑quality Pakistani dishes and adept in all aspects of Pakistan culinary arts
• Technical knowledge of ingredient quality, sourcing, measuring & formulation
• Ideal previous experience of at least 3 years in the role of Head Chef, plus at least 7 years in preceding professional roles
• Relevant Health & Safety credentials and knowledge of HACCP protocols
• Computer literacy, plus sound financial & business acumen
• Resident within commutable distance of up to one hour

Attributes

• Performance, achievement and results driven
• Leadership qualities
• Time Management
• Have an eye for detail
• Able to work well with others
• Creative energetic and passionate about delivering culinary excellence
• A hardworking, fastidious and conscientious individual
• Industrial training in a world‑renowned culinary/hospitality institute
• Sound health and fitness
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in culinary arts or similar
• FAST PACED AND BE ABLE TO WORK AT SPEED AND UNDER PRESSURE

GOOD NEWS IF YOU ARE IN THE UK ON SPONSORED VISA AND LOOKING FOR A NEW SPONSOR: For assurance and peace of mind we place you with stable and reliable Goldstar Chefs approved sponsor employers only. We source you fantastic UK job opportunities and present your profile to a high standard. For the best salary awards, personal growth and long‑term job satisfaction, choose to work for Goldstar Chefs accredited organisations.

Boost your chances of being shortlisted by sending a video demo of your skills, photos of dishes you specialise in and/or have created, Instagram link (if available), menus you have worked on, plus any commendations and references to hand.

This vacancy is open to qualifying international, and non‑settled as well as settled UK candidates.

IMPORTANT NOTE

UK APPLICANTS – Prospective employers may ask for proof of right to work in the UK (e.g., passport copy or other eligible evidence) to be sent by email or post before calling you for an on‑site interview. If you cannot or will not provide this in advance, your application may be rejected. You must produce evidence in original form at the time of interview.

OVERSEAS APPLICANTS – Kindly note relevant fees/charges relating to UKVI Skilled Worker Sponsorship are borne by you (incl. travel to the UK) (employer pays relevant UKVI sponsor fees). If you are eligible for the post and agree to the aforementioned in principle, we will send you full details and related costs of UK employment and visa formalities.

PLEASE NOTE: Goldstar Chefs do NOT ask for upfront payment for shortlisting your CV for this vacancy.

DUE TO EXPECTED VOLUME OF RESPONSES WE ARE UNABLE TO DEAL WITH PHONE INQUIRIES, SO PLEASE DO NOT CALL – WE WILL CONTACT YOU IF SHORTLISTED.

Goldstar Chefs are a nationwide recruitment organisation serving the UK's hospitality industry. We are also a UK government (IAA) regulated immigration adviser with specialist expertise in dealing with UKVI Skilled Workers sponsorship formalities for both employees and employers. Goldstar Chefs are a Corporate Member of The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).

Closing date 13.01.2026