Head Chef
Full-time – 45 hours per week
Poco Tapas Bar is looking for its next Head Chef
We're looking for an experienced, creative and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help shape the next chapter of Poco.
At Poco, we don't compromise on the quality of our ingredients or the ethical standards behind them. Our food is rooted in the seasons and inspired by the incredible produce available on our doorstep. We work closely with a network of independent farmers, growers and producers who share our values around sustainability and responsible food systems. We take great pride in the traceability of every ingredient we serve and the relationships we've built with those who produce them.
As Head Chef, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of our food offering, creating menus that celebrate the very best seasonal produce while championing our low-waste philosophy. You'll lead a small, talented kitchen team, driving standards, creativity and consistency while fostering a positive and supportive working environment.
We're looking for someone who is as passionate about developing people as they are about developing dishes. You'll be organised, commercially aware, calm under pressure and excited by the challenge of running a kitchen that balances creativity, sustainability and profitability.
What You'll Be Responsible For
- Leading and inspiring the kitchen team
- Designing and delivering seasonal menus
- Maintaining exceptional food quality and consistency
- Managing food costs, stock control and supplier relationships
- Recruiting, training and developing kitchen staff
- Upholding the highest standards of food safety and hygiene
- Driving Poco's sustainability and zero-waste principles throughout the kitchen
What We're Looking For
- Minimum of 2 years' experience as a Head Chef
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- A passion for seasonal cooking and sustainable food systems
- Experience working with fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Creativity, attention to detail and a genuine love of hospitality
Work-Life Balance Matters
We believe that great food comes from happy, motivated teams. We don't believe in working people into the ground, and we recognise that a healthy work-life balance is essential to both personal wellbeing and long-term success.
Hours are capped at 45 hours per week, with two consecutive days off wherever possible.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with tiered performance-related bonus structure
- Share of cash and card tips
- 28 days paid holiday
- Company pension
- Free staff meals on shift
- 30% staff discount on food and drinks
- The opportunity to work with some of the finest producers in the South West
- Creative freedom and genuine input into the direction of the menu and business
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule: Including evenings and weekends
Work Location: In person
To apply, please send us your CV along with a cover letter telling us about yourself, your experience, and why you'd like to join the team at Poco.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
