Head Café & Deli ChefLead the Kitchen. Inspire Creativity. Champion Local Food.
We are looking for a passionate, experienced, and hands-on Head Café & Deli Chef to lead the food offering within our growing Farm Shop & Café.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who loves working with fresh, local ingredients and wants the freedom to help shape menus, create seasonal specials, develop deli ranges, and play a key role in building a destination that our community loves to visit.
You'll be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen and deli preparation area, ensuring exceptional food quality, food safety standards, and an outstanding customer experience.
Key ResponsibilitiesFood Preparation & Service
- Prepare and cook high-quality breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and daily specials.
- Cook eggs and breakfast items to a consistently high standard.
- Produce fresh deli products including pies, quiches, sausage rolls, pasta salads, sandwich fillings, jacket potato fillings, salads, soups, and grab-and-go products.
- Develop seasonal menus and specials using farm-grown and locally sourced ingredients.
- Ensure all food is presented to the highest standards.
Kitchen & Deli Management
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Plan production levels to meet customer demand while minimising waste.
- Manage stock levels, ordering, deliveries, and supplier relationships.
- Monitor food costs and support gross margin targets.
- Ensure stock rotation and waste control procedures are followed.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety Regulations, HACCP principles, allergen management requirements, and Natasha's Law.
- Complete and maintain all required food safety records and documentation.
- Support the maintenance of a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating.
Team Leadership
- Train, coach, and support kitchen and deli team members.
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
- Lead by example, promoting a positive, professional, and customer-focused culture.
- Ensure the team follows all food safety and health & safety procedures.
Commercial & Customer Focus
- Identify opportunities to grow food sales and improve the customer offer.
- Support events, seasonal promotions, tasting sessions, and community activities.
- Continually review menus and products to ensure they remain fresh, profitable, and appealing.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Café Chef, Deli Chef, or similar food leadership role.
- Experience preparing fresh breakfasts, lunches, deli products, and homemade food.
- Strong understanding of food safety, allergen management, and kitchen compliance.
- Excellent organisational and people management skills.
- Passion for fresh food, local produce, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Self-motivated with a hands-on approach and strong attention to detail.
Qualifications Essential (or willingness to achieve)
- Level 3 Food Hygiene/Food Safety
- Level 3 First Aid at Work
- Health & Safety Qualification
Desirable
- HACCP Training
- COSHH Training
- Experience within a farm shop, deli, café, garden centre, or retail food environment
Why Join Us?
This is more than a chef role - it's an opportunity to help create a food destination built around quality, community, and local produce. You'll have the freedom to bring new ideas, influence the menu, and help shape the future of a growing and ambitious business.
If you're passionate about great food, local ingredients, and creating something special, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
