Head Chef – New Restaurant Opening
St Andrews, Scotland
A new chapter is coming to St Andrews – Summer 2026.
We are preparing to open a neighbourhood restaurant inspired by the Mediterranean way of eating and gathering, celebrating the very best produce from Scotland's land and sea. Our menu will focus on vibrant, ingredient-led dishes served throughout the day, creating a warm and welcoming destination for locals, visitors and regular guests alike.
We are now seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead the opening and shape the culinary direction of this exciting new venture.
The Concept
Our restaurant will combine the relaxed hospitality of the Mediterranean with Scotland's outstanding natural larder. Expect fresh seafood, carefully sourced meats, seasonal vegetables, great wines and genuine hospitality delivered in a cosy, all-day dining environment.
This is an opportunity to build something special from the ground up and create a restaurant that becomes a true part of the St Andrews community.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the kitchen operation and lead the restaurant through its opening phase and beyond. Working closely with the ownership team and front-of-house leadership, you will be responsible for creating a food offering that reflects our vision while building a culture of excellence, teamwork and consistency.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the kitchen opening and launch programme
- Developing and delivering a seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menu using the best Scottish produce
- Recruiting, training and developing a high-performing kitchen team
- Maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, consistency and presentation
- Managing food costs, stock control and kitchen labour effectively
- Building strong relationships with local suppliers and producers
- Ensuring compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health & safety regulations
- Driving creativity and innovation while maintaining commercial performance
- Working collaboratively with the front-of-house team to deliver outstanding guest experiences
About You
You are a passionate chef and inspiring leader with a genuine love of seasonal ingredients, seafood, hospitality and team development.
You will ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant environment
- A strong background in premium casual dining, seafood-led, Mediterranean or produce-driven kitchens
- Experience opening new venues or leading significant kitchen growth
- Excellent organisational and kitchen management skills
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of food cost control
- Outstanding leadership, coaching and team-development abilities
- A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable dining experiences
- The ability to thrive in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment
What We Offer
- The opportunity to shape the food offering of an exciting new restaurant from day one
- Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
- Significant input into menu development and kitchen culture
- Career development opportunities as the business grows
- Staff meals, discounts and additional benefits
- A chance to be part of one of St Andrews' most anticipated new openings
If you are an ambitious chef who loves exceptional produce, great people and building successful kitchen teams, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you would be the right person to lead this exciting opening.
Pay: £39,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- St. Andrews KY16: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- head chef: 1 year (preferred)
- 2 aa rosette: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
