Head Chef – The Avenue Cinema, Belfast
Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, 44 hours per week (including evenings & weekends)
Location: Belfast City Centre
Annual Leave: 28 days
Who We Are
Welcome to The Avenue – Northern Ireland’s first luxury cinema experience, right in the heart of Belfast. With 9 boutique screens, a fully licensed bar, and stylish sofa seating with gourmet food delivered straight to your seat, we’re setting a new standard in leisure and entertainment.
We’re searching for a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help shape the food experience at Belfast’s most exciting new venue.
The Role
As Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen operation—leading a dedicated team, crafting innovative menus alongside our Group Executive Chef, and ensuring every dish reflects our high standards. From our lounge to the in-seat dining experience, you’ll play a vital role in delivering an exceptional and seamless culinary offering that enhances our guests’ overall experience.
This is an extremely fast-paced, high-quality environment that requires a creative, organised, and passionate leader with a proven background in managing modern, commercially focused kitchens.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and service.
- Lead menu development, ensuring all offerings are cost-effective, creative, and aligned with customer expectations—including allergen, intolerance, and dietary options.
- Work with suppliers to source the best ingredients, manage costs, monitor stock, and stay ahead of seasonal trends.
- Maintain full compliance with hygiene, food safety, and health & safety legislation (EHO, COSHH), and ensure thorough documentation and team training.
- Manage and train kitchen staff, fostering a positive team culture and delivering smooth, efficient service across both lounge and in-theatre dining.
- Collaborate with front-of-house and management teams to ensure outstanding communication, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation, bringing forward ideas to enhance the guest experience and support commercial growth.
- Safeguard equipment, uphold kitchen standards, and maintain a safe, structured working environment.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
- Proven expertise in menu costing, procurement, stock control, rota management, and cost control.
- Deep understanding of food hygiene regulations and strong administrative skills around recording and reporting.
- Flexible availability to work evenings, weekends, and across a 7-day operation.
- Strong leadership skills with a hands-on, can-do attitude and a commitment to team development.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of how cost management contributes to profitability.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary – up to £42,000 per annum
- 28 days paid annual leave
- An exciting opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a brand-new premium venue
- A supportive, passionate team environment
- Opportunities for progression as the business grows
Ready to Apply?
If you're a dynamic and driven Head Chef who thrives on innovation and excellence, and you're excited about being part of something truly unique, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and be part of Northern Ireland’s most exciting new entertainment destination.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £38,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
