Head Chef

Head Chef – Wildes Bar & Cocktails

Wildes Bar & Cocktails – Leamington Spa

We’re looking for an ambitious and creative Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen at Wildes Bar & Cocktails.

Wildes is an independent bar and kitchen with a small, close-knit team and a food offering centred around high-quality small plates, seasonal produce and modern, approachable cooking. We’re looking for someone who enjoys creating dishes, developing menus and having a genuine influence over the direction of the kitchen.

This is an opportunity for a chef who wants to put their own stamp on a kitchen rather than simply follow someone else’s menu.

The role

As Head Chef, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, maintaining standards and leading the team. You’ll have a good level of creative freedom and will be encouraged to develop the food offering alongside the business.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the kitchen team
• Creating and developing seasonal menus
• Maintaining consistently high food and presentation standards
• Managing food ordering, stock control and GP
• Controlling food waste and maintaining effective kitchen systems
• Ensuring excellent food hygiene and allergen standards
• Training and developing junior members of the team
• Working closely with the management team to develop the food side of the business
• Maintaining a clean, organised and professional kitchen
• Leading service and ensuring food is delivered consistently during busy periods

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about food, organised and proud of what they put on the plate.

You should have previous experience working at Sous Chef or Head Chef level and be comfortable taking responsibility for a kitchen.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for good food
• Enjoys developing dishes and menus
• Takes pride in presentation and consistency
• Can lead a small team by example
• Understands kitchen costs, ordering and stock control
• Is calm and organised under pressure
• Has high standards without taking themselves too seriously
• Wants to contribute ideas and help shape the future of the kitchen

Experience with small plates, gastro-pub, modern British or contemporary cooking would be advantageous, but we’re more interested in the chef behind the experience than a particular label or background.

What we offer

• A genuine opportunity to put your own stamp on an independent kitchen
• Creative input into menus and the direction of the food offering
• A close-knit working environment
• A kitchen where quality and consistency matter
• The opportunity to develop the food offering as the business continues to grow
• Competitive salary based on experience
• 40 hours per week
• Bonus Scheme

If you’re looking for your next challenge and want a kitchen where your ideas can actually make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay: £33,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person