Head Chef

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should forward their Curriculum Vitae (CV) or an Application Form to the People Services Department (Applications) by email via [email protected] by Sunday 18th October 2026.

Please ensure your CV includes your full name and contact details, the CV file sent to us should be titled your first initial and surname. When submitting your CV please state the position and job location of the vacancy you are applying for in the subject title or body of your email: For example, "Head Chef – Mackintosh Tearooms"

To lead the kitchen at The Mackintosh Tearooms, delivering high-quality tearoom, private dining and event menus within safe, hygienic and financially sustainable operations.

Reporting to the Restaurant Manager, the post-holder works with the wider management team to deliver an excellent visitor experience and meet financial targets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead daily kitchen operations, maintaining Trust standards for food quality, presentation and service across a food and beverage operation with estimated income of £1m and budgeted expenditure of £350k.

· Develop, cost and deliver seasonal, tearoom, private dining, travel trade and event menus with the Restaurant Manager, Operations Manager and VSS Bookings.

· Work with front-of-house colleagues, using visitor feedback and mystery-visit results to improve service and the visitor experience.

· Manage food costs, purchasing, nominated suppliers, stock control and records in line with budgets and GP targets.

· Lead, supervise and develop the kitchen team, setting clear expectations for performance and standards.

Health & Safety, Food Safety and the Environment:

• Ensure compliance with statutory and Trust requirements for health and safety, food safety and environmental management, completing risk assessments, checks, records and reports and addressing issues promptly.

· Maintain current allergen information and ensure agreed allergen procedures are followed.

· Ensure kitchen staff and high-risk food handlers are appropriately trained and supervised, including in the safe use and cleaning of equipment.

· Maintain cleaning schedules and required standards for kitchen areas and equipment, reporting repair or replacement needs.

This role does not require you to undertake a criminal records check.

Qualifications & Experience

• NVQ Level 3, BTEC, City & Guilds, HND, degree or equivalent experience, with an Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate or above.

· Strong craft skills and a successful background in a busy catering environment, including experience in a 2 AA Rosette or similar establishment.

· Proven supervisory and management experience, with strong leadership and influencing skills.

· Passion for food and customer service, with flair and innovation in menu development and presentation.

· Strong financial, time-management and organisational skills.

• Experience managing kitchens within multi-strand visitor or commercial services in a heritage or tourist-attraction setting.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and a full UK driving licence.

Pay: £44,830.00 per year

Work Location: In person