Head Chef – Siren Cheltenham Bar (New Opening)
Siren City Bars, Cheltenham (The Brewery Quarter)
About Us
Siren Craft Brew has been at the forefront of the UK craft beer movement since 2013, consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 breweries on RateBeer. We are bold, flavourful and uncompromising, and that spirit runs through everything we do, including our bars and pubs.
Siren City Bars is our growing hospitality arm, operating a collection of distinctive venues that share our passion for great beer, exceptional hospitality and genuine community. We are now bringing that same energy to Cheltenham, and we’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef to be a major part of the opening of the venue.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen at our brand-new Cheltenham venue, its team, its food and its commercial performance. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, craft-led environment and knows how to build a kitchen team and maintain high standards.
You will lead on site menu development and food quality while hitting your GP and cost targets, working closely with the General Manager to deliver a brilliant guest experience from day one.
Key Responsibilities
People Leadership
· Recruit, train and manage a high-performing kitchen team
· Lead the team on peak services and hold daily shift briefs
· Continually monitor the team’s abilities and training requirements
· Maintain staff discipline, monitoring punctuality, uniform and performance
· Handle staff issues, including sick leave, attendance and disciplinary action when necessary
Kitchen and Menu Management
· Develop new dishes for specials to attract more clientele
· Stay up to date with culinary trends and kitchen processes
· Ensure kitchen staff adhere to quality, hygiene and cleanliness standards
· Ensure guests receive excellent service and enjoy their culinary experience
· Support occasional events, festivals and local stalls
Stock, Margin and Wages
· Work closely with the General Manager to adhere to guidelines on stock holding and GP
· Deliver a minimum 72% margin on a monthly basis
· Monitor all wastage, keeping reports up to date
· Manage inventory and order stock as needed, dealing with suppliers to secure quality goods at affordable prices
· Work closely with the General Manager to monitor staff hours and adhere to the wage budget
Compliance and Maintenance
· Ensure government regulations on allergen, health and safety management (EHO standard) are adhered to
· Oversee the maintenance of kitchen equipment and organise repairs when needed
· Complete weekly walkarounds with the General Manager, documenting and actioning work required, and sharing this with Head Office
Skills and Experience Required
· Proven experience as a Head Chef, in a high-volume kitchen
· Strong commercial acumen with a track record of hitting GP and margin targets
· Excellent people manager, you lead by example and bring the best out of those around you
· Passion for great food and craft beer (you don’t need to be a brewer, but you do need to care)
· Confident with stock management, kitchen administration and supplier relationships
· Experience leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment
· A genuine commitment to delivering an excellent guest experience
· Willing to be contactable outside usual work hours in the event of an emergency
Benefits
· Company pension scheme
· Discounts across all Siren venues
· 28 days paid holiday
· Genuine career development within a growing hospitality group
· Opportunity to shape a brand new kitchen and menu from the ground up
· Be part of one of the UK’s most exciting craft beer businesses
Job Specifics
· Total package: up to £45,500 per annum (base, tronc + bonus)
· Base salary: up to £35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
· Tronc: £4,000–£7,000 per annum
· Performance bonus: 10% of base salary
· Hours: 45 hours per week (including weekends and evenings)
· Location: Cheltenham
· Contract: Full-time, permanent
· Reporting to: General Manager
· Site opening in September/October
· Training for a 4–6 week period at our bar in Reading before opening
How to Apply
If you are a driven, passionate chef ready to take on an exciting new challenge with a brand you believe in, we want to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a cover letter, telling us why you’re the right person to lead our Cheltenham kitchen, to [email protected].
CVs submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Pay: £43,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
