Head Chef
Melville & Sons | Norwich
£32,000 to £34,000 per year | Full-time
Build one of Norwich's most exciting restaurants.
Melville & Sons is entering a new chapter.
We're moving towards a modern British steak and wine restaurant inspired by the simplicity and quality of restaurants such as Hawksmoor, while creating something uniquely Norwich.
We're looking for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen and help shape this exciting new direction.
This isn't about creating complicated dishes or constantly changing menus. It's about sourcing exceptional produce, executing every plate consistently and building a kitchen that guests trust time and time again.
About the role
You'll be responsible for leading a small kitchen, developing a focused menu centred around premium British beef, seasonal produce and outstanding ingredients, while maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene and profitability.
Working closely with the owners, you'll have genuine input into the menu, suppliers and the future direction of the business.
Responsibilities
- Deliver consistently exceptional food every service.
- Manage stock, ordering and supplier relationships.
- Control food GP and minimise waste.
- Create efficient prep systems and kitchen standards.
- Ensure excellent food hygiene and health & safety.
- Train and develop junior chefs.
- Work collaboratively with the front-of-house team to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
About you
You'll ideally have experience as a Head Chef or be an ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready for your first Head Chef position.
You'll be:
- Passionate about quality ingredients.
- Organised and calm under pressure.
- Commercially aware.
- Proud of consistency and attention to detail.
- A positive leader who enjoys developing people.
- Passionate about modern British cooking and premium steak.
What we offer
- Salary of £32,000 to £34,000 depending on experience.
- 45-hour contract
- Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Every birthday off
- Supplier trips and wine tastings
- Clear path to Executive Chef if you expand
- Performance bonus scheme
- Creative input into the restaurant's redevelopment
- Staff discounts across our venues
- A supportive and ambitious ownership team
- Real opportunities for career progression as the business grows
If you're looking for an opportunity to build something special rather than simply inherit another kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV and a short introduction telling us why you're the right person to lead the next chapter of Melville & Sons.
Pay: £32,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
