Head Chef – Merchant Steakhouse
Location: Glasgow City Centre
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Estimated Gratuities: £10,000–£12,000 per annum
Hours: 48 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Bonus: Performance-based bonus structure following successful completion of probation
Lead the Kitchen at Merchant Steakhouse
Merchant Steakhouse is an established premium steakhouse in the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City, built around exceptional produce, outstanding steaks and a high-end dining experience.
We are now looking for an ambitious, experienced and passionate Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen and help drive the next stage of the restaurant's development.
This is an opportunity for a chef who wants more than simply running a kitchen. We are looking for someone who wants to build a team, drive standards, develop food and make their mark on a highly regarded steakhouse.
About Merchant Steakhouse
Merchant Steakhouse specialises in in-house dry-aged beef, with our own dry-ageing programme forming a key part of the restaurant's identity.
We carefully select premium beef and dry age it in-house for extended periods, allowing us to develop depth of flavour, tenderness and character in our steaks.
The Head Chef will play an important role in maintaining and developing this programme, ensuring the highest standards from the selection and preparation of the beef through to the final plate.
Alongside our dry-aged steaks, Merchant Steakhouse focuses on premium Scottish produce and high-quality ingredients across the wider menu.
The restaurant has developed a strong reputation within Glasgow's dining scene, with excellent customer feedback and a loyal following.
The Opportunity
As Head Chef, you will have genuine ownership of the kitchen operation.
You will lead the brigade, maintain exceptional food standards and work closely with the senior management team to continually develop the restaurant.
This includes having an active role in menu development, our in-house dry-ageing programme, kitchen standards, team development and commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full responsibility for the day-to-day kitchen operation.
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen brigade.
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Oversee the preparation, butchery and cooking of premium steaks.
- Take ownership of our in-house dry-ageing programme and associated standards.
- Maintain excellent standards around ageing, preparation, portioning and cooking.
- Develop menus, specials and seasonal dishes.
- Manage ordering, stock control and supplier relationships.
- Monitor food cost, GP, waste and overall kitchen performance.
- Manage kitchen rotas and labour effectively.
- Train and develop chefs at all levels.
- Maintain excellent food safety, allergen and hygiene standards.
- Lead busy services with confidence and consistency.
- Work with senior management to identify opportunities for continued improvement.
- Create a positive, professional and high-performing kitchen culture.
About You
You will ideally be an experienced Head Chef, or an exceptional Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
You will have a genuine passion for quality produce and understand what it takes to operate successfully within a premium, high-volume restaurant.
We are looking for someone who is:
- A confident and inspirational kitchen leader.
- Passionate about premium produce and quality cooking.
- Experienced with steaks and premium beef.
- Ideally knowledgeable or experienced in dry-ageing.
- Commercially aware and comfortable managing GP, food costs and waste.
- Organised and highly standards-driven.
- Experienced in developing and motivating kitchen teams.
- Hands-on and prepared to lead from the front.
- Calm and decisive during busy services.
- Creative and interested in menu development.
- Ambitious and keen to develop their career.
The Package
£40,000 basic salary
£10,000–£12,000 estimated annual gratuities
48-hour working week
Performance-based bonus structure following successful completion of probation
Estimated earning potential of £50,000–£52,000+ per year before performance bonus.
Why Join Merchant Steakhouse?
This is an opportunity to join a premium Glasgow steakhouse with a strong identity and an established customer base.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Lead a kitchen built around in-house dry-aged beef.
- Work with premium Scottish produce and high-quality ingredients.
- Develop and maintain an exciting dry-ageing programme.
- Put your own stamp on the food offering.
- Build and develop a strong kitchen brigade.
- Influence menus and the direction of the food operation.
- Work alongside an experienced senior hospitality team.
- Develop your career within an ambitious hospitality business.
- Be rewarded through gratuities and a performance-based bonus structure.
If you're an ambitious Head Chef who wants genuine responsibility, premium produce and the opportunity to lead and develop a high-end steakhouse kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply Now
Send us your CV and tell us why Merchant Steakhouse should be your next
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person
