Job Description

Passionate & Creative Head Chef Location:

Rural Nottinghamshire Lakeside location

Position:

Full-Time

We're launching a brand-new, independent restaurant in a stunning lakeside location, and we're searching for a Head Chef to help bring it to life.

We are searching for a confident, capable chef with leadership experience who is grounded, hard-working, and calm under pressure whilst comfortable making decisions. You must be passionate about honest, seasonal cooking and ready to work closely with people who love food and care about every ingredient

This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape a kitchen, develop the menu, build the team, and set the tone from day one. You'll work closely with the owner (also a chef) to create a food experience rooted in seasonal, local produce -- much of it grown or raised on the farm.

You'll be responsible for day-to-day kitchen operations, menu development, team leadership, managing busy services, budgeting and costing.

This is an exciting new project opening late Autumn/ Winter.

We're Looking For Someone Who:

Has strong leadership experience in professional kitchens Thrives in building things from scratch -- with creativity and calm Believes in seasonal, sustainable cooking and low-waste practices Is a confident, hands-on chef with a collaborative mindset Care deeply about ingredients, process, and plate Want to build something meaningful alongside a like-minded chef

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage all kitchen operations Design and execute creative, seasonal, and cost-effective menus Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation meet brand standards Monitor inventory, order supplies, and manage food cost and waste Recruit, train, and supervise kitchen staff Enforce health, safety, and hygiene standards Help establish systems for a new space, with freedom to shape your kitchen culture Collaborate with the owner to shape the restaurant's culinary identity

Requirements:

5+ years of experience in a professional kitchen, with 3+ years in a leadership role Expertise in menu creation, budgeting, and kitchen management Knowledge of food safety standards and best practices Passion, creativity, and a drive for excellence

What We Offer:

A rare opportunity to help create and lead a new restaurant from the very beginning Freedom to influence the kitchen culture and creative direction A beautiful setting with strong community and farm connections Supportive partnership with the owner-chef Competitive salary + performance bonuses A long-term vision -- not just a job, but a project you can shape and grow with
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 40,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person