Head Chef
Location: Gripps Farm, Brotton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 2QU
Opening: Late July 2026
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
Join Us for an Exciting New Chapter at Gripps Farm
Gripps Farm is a family-run business with a passion for great food, warm hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for visitors. As part of our exciting expansion, we are opening a brand-new café as part of our growing farm attraction and visitor destination.
We are looking for an experienced, creative, and inspirational Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help establish the café as a destination for delicious, freshly prepared food made using the very best local and seasonal ingredients.
This is a fantastic opportunity to build a kitchen from the ground up, create a food offering that reflects the quality of our farm and local suppliers, and play a key role in the success of an exciting new business from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Recruit, train, motivate, and develop the kitchen team.
- Design and develop seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
- Manage food purchasing, supplier relationships, stock control, and kitchen budgets.
- Monitor food costs, gross profit margins, and wastage to achieve business targets.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, allergen, and health & safety legislation.
- Develop daily specials and seasonal dishes that complement the farm shop and celebrate local produce.
- Work closely with the Café Manager and wider business team to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen while fostering a positive and supportive working environment.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager within a café, restaurant, hotel, or hospitality environment.
- Is passionate about preparing fresh, seasonal food using quality local ingredients.
- Has strong leadership skills and enjoys developing and motivating a team.
- Is commercially aware with experience managing food costs, stock, labour, and kitchen budgets.
- Has an excellent understanding of food safety, allergen management, and kitchen compliance.
- Thrives in a busy service environment while maintaining exceptional standards.
- Is creative, organised, and takes pride in producing consistently excellent food.
- Is flexible and willing to work weekends, holidays, and busy seasonal periods.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new kitchen from launch.
- A supportive and friendly family-run business environment.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Staff discounts across the farm business.
- Opportunities for career development as the business continues to grow.
- Creative freedom to help develop menus and showcase the very best local produce.
- The chance to be part of an exciting new destination on the Cleveland Heritage Coast.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short covering letter outlining your experience and why you would be a great fit for Gripps Farm.
We are looking for someone who shares our passion for outstanding food, inspiring leadership, and creating memorable dining experiences for every visitor.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as received, and early applications are encouraged.
Work Location: In person
