Job Description

32,000-34,000 DOE | 5 days, 40 hours | Open kitchen

Hetty's Place, Gloucester Docks

We're looking for a Head Chef to play a central role in the day-to-day running and future success of Hetty's Place. This is a role for someone who cares about food, people, and how a business works as a whole, and who wants to help shape something that's already well loved and still growing.

About us

Hetty's Place is known for brunch, brownies, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It's the sister business to Hetty's Kitchen (bakery), but the cafe has its own identity and ambition.

The menu is seasonal, generous and made from scratch, sitting between comforting classics and modern, flavour-led plates. A lot is made in-house, including rostis, sausage patties and sauces. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, with a strong focus on championing independent producers.

In 2026, the focus is on strengthening how the cafe runs -- from food and systems to teamwork and service -- while keeping the creativity and character people come for. There are plans to grow over time, with opportunities for increased responsibility for the right person.

The role

As Head Chef, you'll lead the kitchen day to day and work closely with the Cafe Manager and Founder as part of the management team.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the kitchen with consistency, clarity, and high standards Developing and refining the brunch menu -- creative, seasonal and commercially sound Sourcing great ingredients and maintaining strong supplier relationships Managing food costings, GP, stock control, and waste Putting clear, practical systems in place to support smooth service Training and supporting the kitchen team Working closely with FOH to improve communication and flow Taking ownership of the kitchen while contributing to wider business decisions Maintaining strong food safety standards, with EHO compliance, record keeping, and due diligence kept clear and up to date
This is a visible leadership role in an open, customer-facing kitchen, with real influence over how the cafe operates.

Team culture & flexibility

This is firmly a Head Chef, kitchen-based role, but a willingness to muck in during busy moments -- whether that's taking food to customers, helping with pot wash, or making a coffee -- is important in supporting the wider team. Good service only works when people help each other out.

The kitchen team consists of the Head Chef, one full-time chef, and one part-time chef, supported by a cross-trained FOH team. The role includes lone working in the kitchen for part of the week (around two days), so it suits someone confident working independently and taking ownership during quieter periods.

Salary, hours & environment

32,000-34,000 per year (depending on experience) 5 days per week, 40 hours Daytime only Open, customer-facing kitchen

Who this role suits

This role would suit someone who:

Is an experienced chef ready to lead a cafe kitchen Cares about food quality, consistency, and cost control Communicates well and enjoys working closely with FOH Takes ownership and responsibility seriously Wants to be part of building and growing a business over time

How to apply

Please send a CV and a short note outlining your experience and interest in the role.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 32,000.00-34,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person