Head Chef
Little Capo | Edinburgh
£38,000–£40,000 salary + approximately £10,000 TRONC per year + up to 15% performance bonus
Potential earnings of £55,000+
Lead one of Edinburgh's busiest independent kitchens.
We're looking for a passionate, ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Little Capo and help shape the next chapter of one of Edinburgh's most exciting independent restaurants.
Recognised in the Michelin Guide, Little Capo serves seasonal, Italian-inspired dishes alongside a carefully curated wine list and exceptional cocktails in a relaxed neighbourhood setting.
This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who loves exceptional produce, enjoys developing people, and wants the autonomy to make a real impact within a growing independent hospitality group.
About Little Capo
Little Capo is part of an independent Edinburgh hospitality group alongside Paz Taqueria, Capetto, and FKA (Formerly Known As Bon Vivant).
We're passionate about great food, genuine hospitality and creating workplaces where talented people feel supported, challenged and proud of what they do.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership position in a busy, high-volume kitchen serving around 200 covers every day.
You'll lead an established brigade of 14 chefs and kitchen porters, supported by three experienced Sous Chefs and mentored by our experienced Executive Chef, giving you both the autonomy to lead your kitchen and the support to continue developing as a chef and leader.
We've designed the role to provide structure, balance and the time needed to lead effectively:
- One dedicated admin day each week for menu development, ordering, stock control, rotas, recruitment and team development.
- Four operational shifts across a mixture of lunch, dinner and weekend services.
- A guaranteed set rota with two consecutive days off every week.
- A full-time contract based on 43 hours over five days.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and inspiring a talented kitchen team with confidence, professionalism and energy.
- Creating a positive, accountable and supportive kitchen culture.
- Developing seasonal menus inspired by classic Italian cooking.
- Delivering consistently exceptional food with attention to detail.
- Managing food costs, stock control and kitchen performance.
- Maintaining outstanding food safety and hygiene standards.
- Working collaboratively with the General Manager, Front of House team and Executive Chef.
- Leading from the front during busy services while remaining calm, organised and solution-focused.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced Head Chef, or an ambitious Sous Chef who is ready to take the next step.
You'll ideally:
- Thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
- Be passionate about quality ingredients and Italian-inspired cooking.
- Understand the commercial side of running a successful kitchen.
- Be a calm, confident leader who brings the best out of their team.
- Lead with professionalism, positivity and accountability.
- Build strong relationships across both the kitchen and front-of-house teams.
- Take pride in maintaining consistently high standards.
- Stay calm, organised and decisive under pressure.
What You'll Receive
- £38,000–£40,000 salary.
- Approximately £10,000 TRONC per year.*
- Up to 15% annual performance bonus.
- Potential earnings of £55,000+.
- 28 days paid holiday.
- A guaranteed set rota with two consecutive days off each week.
- Genuine creative input into menus and seasonal dishes.
- Ongoing support and mentoring from an experienced Executive Chef.
- 25% staff discount across all group venues.
- Paid training and continuous professional development.
- Excellent opportunities for progression within a growing independent hospitality group.
TRONC earnings are based on current trading levels and cannot be guaranteed.
Why Join Us?
At Little Capo, we believe the best kitchens are built on trust, respect, consistency and teamwork. We work hard, support one another and take genuine pride in creating memorable experiences for our guests.
This is more than just another Head Chef role—it's an opportunity to lead one of Edinburgh's busiest independent kitchens, develop your team, influence the menu, and play a key role in the future of a growing hospitality group.
If you're looking for a role where you'll have the freedom to lead, the support to grow, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV and a short introduction telling us a little about yourself.
Pay: £38,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
