Head Chef - The Sidings (Carriages Restuarants)

allpay Limited; Hereford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of tips

Free staff gym on site

Pension scheme

Job summary

The Sidings, part of Carriages Restaurants Limited & allpay Limited, is seeking a Head Chef to lead our brunch-focused kitchen. You will craft dishes from scratch, shape the menu, and run daytime service from 8am to 4pm, with occasional evenings for events.

You will manage the kitchen, mentor staff, control costs, ensure safety, and maintain high presentation standards while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Join a team that values creativity and quality.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience.
• Passion for delivering excellent food and customer experiences.
• Proven people management skills.
• Ability to manage kitchen finances, costing and stock.
• Strong organisational skills under pressure.
• Up-to-date knowledge of food safety and allergen management.
• Creativity and commitment to high standards.
• Experience with brunch style formats.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality dishes and seasonal menus.
• Manage food ordering, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Monitor food costs, waste and profitability.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, allergen and health and safety legislation.
• Maintain exceptional food presentation and service standards.
• Support recruitment, training and development of kitchen staff.
• Contribute ideas for menu innovation and growth.
• Ensure kitchen operates efficiently during busy service periods.
• Hands-on and run service.

Skills

People management

Menu planning

Food cost control

Food hygiene & safety

Creative cooking

Brunch format

Team leadership

Job description

About The Role

We are looing for a passionate, creative and hands on Head Chef to join our exciting and growing food brand.

This is a great opportunity for a chef who loves fresh cooking and creating dishes from scratch. This role allows for freedom to put your mark on the menu and run the kitchen operation.

The Sidings is a brunch style café, focusing on cook to order, seasonal and beautifully presented food. Quality is at the heart of everything we do and we are looking for someone who shares that philosophy.

The Head Chef role involves running the kitchen day-to-day whilst being supported by the Sidings Manager and Executive Head Chef. The hours are predominantly daytime hours starting at 8am and finishing at 4pm, this is perfect for anyone looking to move away from the traditional late night restaurant lifestyle. There will be some occasional evening work for special events. Weekend availability is essential.

As a Head Chef, you will:

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality dishes and seasonal menus.
• Manage food ordering, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Monitor food costs, waste and profitability.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, allergen and health and safety legislation.
• Maintain exceptional food presentation and service standards.
• Support recruitment, training and development of kitchen staff.
• Contribute ideas for menu innovation and business growth.
• Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently during busy service periods.
• To be part of the team, hands on and running service.

We offer on top of your salary a share of tips, you will be working 5 days per week, 37.5 hours per week (includes weekends and bank holidays).

About You

• Has previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Is passionate about delivering excellent food and customer experiences.
• Proven people management skills.
• Ability to demonstrate kitchen finances, food costing and stock management.
• Proven efficient organisation skills and works well under pressure.
• Proven up to date knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management.
• Demonstrates creativity, proactive and committed to maintaining high standards.
• Understands the requirements of a brunch style format.

About Us

Think you need to tick every single box? You really don't.

We welcome brilliant people from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, including those who think differently, learn differently, or bring unique approaches to problem-solving. Different minds make our teams stronger.

If you would benefit from any adjustments or support during our recruitment process, whether that is extra time, a quieter space, a different format, or something else that helps you shine, just let us know. We are here to make the process work for you.

People are at the heart of Carriages Restaurants Limited & allpay Limited and we are proud to offer a competitive benefits package. This includes a defined-contribution group pension scheme, life assurance, wide range of health and well-being options, and excellent Learning and Development offerings. We also have a free staff gym on site.