Lead Chef - Creative Kitchen Leader with Growth

Sodexo; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great training and development options

Casual hours with shifts across full‑b

Job summary

Heritage Portfolio is seeking a talented Lead Chef for our Central Production Kitchen in Leith. You will lead a kitchen team focused on fresh, sustainable, made-from-scratch cooking for catering, events, and in-house café services across Edinburgh’s cultural destinations.

Under guidance from the Executive Chef, you will deliver diverse menus, manage staff, ensure food quality and safety, and work across sites to maintain high standards and a seamless customer experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a chef in a senior or supervisory role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Attention to detail and punctuality.
• Experience in event service and preparation.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings and weekends where required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team to deliver an excellent standard of food and service.
• Prepare, cook and present dishes to the required quality and consistency.
• Plan menus, specials and daily food preparation in line with business requirements.
• Manage stock control, ordering, deliveries and food storage.
• Monitor food costs, portion control and minimise waste.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety regulations, and allergen procedures.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and kitchen maintenance.
• Support the training and development of kitchen team members.
• Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently during busy service periods.
• Work closely with management and front-of-house teams to deliver an excellent customer experience.

Skills

Senior chef experience

Leadership

Team management

Attention to detail

Event service experience

Flexibility with shifts

Job description

Heritage Portfolio is seeking a talented Lead Chef for our Central Production Kitchen in Leith. You will lead a kitchen team focused on fresh, sustainable, made-from-scratch cooking for catering, events, and in-house café services across Edinburgh’s cultural destinations.

Under guidance from the Executive Chef, you will deliver diverse menus, manage staff, ensure food quality and safety, and work across sites to maintain high standards and a seamless customer experience.