Head Chef

Head Chef – FIIK, Durham

Full-time | 5 days per week | Every Sunday & Monday off

A Little About Us

FIIK isn't your average restaurant, and we're not looking for your average Head Chef.

We're an independent, creative tasting-menu restaurant in the heart of Durham, known for our ever-changing themed menus, bold flavours and slightly unconventional approach to dining.

We take our food seriously. Ourselves? Not so much.

From playful concepts to unexpected flavour combinations, we're all about creating memorable dining experiences that keep our guests coming back for more.

Now we're looking for a talented, ambitious Head Chef to take the reins and help shape the next chapter of FIIK.

The Opportunity

This isn't a role where you'll be cooking the same dishes week after week.

You'll be working with our executive chef, regularly changing themed tasting menus, bringing your own ideas, personality and creativity to the table.

You'll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, balancing culinary innovation with consistency, efficiency and strong commercial awareness.

We want someone who can think outside the box, lead with confidence and turn even the most ridiculous menu concept into something genuinely delicious.

What You'll Be Doing

• Taking ownership of kitchen operations, standards and service
• Managing food costs, stock, ordering and GP targets
• Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards
• Creating a positive, organised and supportive kitchen environment
• Working collaboratively with the wider FIIK team to bring each menu concept to life

Who We're Looking For

You'll be an experienced Head Chef or ambitious Senior Sous Chef who's ready to take the next step.

You'll need:

• A genuine passion for creative cooking and exceptional flavours
• Strong leadership skills and the confidence to run a kitchen
• The ability to be self motivated
• Have good time management
• Experience in costing and stock management
• Excellent organisation and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• High standards of presentation, consistency and food safety
• An appreciation for seasonal ingredients and quality produce
• The confidence to experiment, challenge ideas and bring something new to the table

Most importantly, we want someone with imagination. Someone who gets excited by unusual concepts, loves a culinary challenge and isn't afraid to have a little fun with food.

What's In It For You?

• A five-day working week: Tuesday to Saturday, with every Sunday and Monday off
• Competitive salary: Based on experience, plus performance-related bonuses
• An established independent restaurant: With a distinctive identity and loyal customer base
• A supportive team: Who value collaboration, creativity and fresh ideas
• Staff meals and development opportunities
• The chance to make your mark: Help shape the future of a restaurant that likes to do things differently
• Competitive earnings package: £38,000–£44,000 per annum, including base salary, tronc tips and performance-related bonuses.
• Staff Dining Perks: Enjoy a set number of discounted dining experiences at FIIK each year.
• Christmas Shutdown: Enjoy a full week off over the festive period.

Sound Like Your Kind of Kitchen?

If you're tired of playing it safe, love the idea of creating something new and want a kitchen where your ideas actually matter, we'd love to hear from you.

Come and help us make people say, "What the FIIK?"

Apply with your CV and a little about yourself. We'd particularly love to hear about the dishes, menus or creative concepts you're most proud of.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £38,000.00-£44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person