Full Time | Expected Start: Mid-August 2026
Federal Café is growing, and we're looking for an experienced Head Chef to join us ahead of a new opening in York.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a new opening from the very beginning. You'll work alongside our senior leadership team to prepare for launch, recruit and build your kitchen team, and create the standards and culture that make Federal special
The Role
As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading from the front and ensuring every dish leaving the pass meets our high standards of quality, consistency and presentation.
You'll play a key role in creating a positive, high-performing kitchen culture where people feel supported, developed and motivated to deliver their best every day.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management
- Lead, motivate and inspire the kitchen team through hands-on leadership.
- Recruit, interview and onboard new kitchen team members.
- Train, coach and develop chefs at all levels, creating clear development plans and supporting progression.
- Conduct regular 1-2-1s, probation reviews and performance conversations.
- Manage attendance, punctuality, performance and conduct in line with company procedures.
- Create a positive, respectful and accountable team culture.
- Work closely with the General Manager to ensure excellent communication between Front of House and Kitchen.
Kitchen Operations
- Deliver consistently high-quality food in line with Federal specifications.
- Lead service during busy periods, ensuring speed, quality and organisation.
- Maintain exceptional food hygiene, cleanliness and health & safety standards.
- Ensure all food safety documentation and compliance records are accurate and up to date.
- Drive continuous improvements to kitchen systems and ways of working.
Stock & Financial Management
- Manage all food ordering to ensure stock levels are maintained while minimising waste.
- Complete regular stock takes and investigate variances.
- Monitor GP, food costs and wastage, implementing controls to maximise profitability.
- Manage supplier relationships and ensure deliveries are checked, stored and rotated correctly.
- Ensure stock is organised, labelled and stored to company standards.
Planning & Administration
- Produce rotas that meet the needs of the business while controlling labour costs.
- Manage holiday requests and ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
- Plan kitchen preparation for busy trading periods and seasonal demand.
- Work alongside the senior leadership team on menu development, specials and operational improvements.
- Attend management meetings and contribute ideas that support the continued growth of the business.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Head Chef is a must - openings experience is a bonus!
- A passionate leader who enjoys developing people and building successful teams.
- Excellent recruitment, coaching and people management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food costs, stock control and labour.
- Calm under pressure with the ability to lead a busy service.
- Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills.
- A genuine passion for hospitality and consistently delivering exceptional food.
Why Federal?
We're an independent café group built around exceptional coffee, fresh food and genuine hospitality. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're proud to promote from within wherever possible.
Joining Federal means becoming part of a supportive, ambitious business that values authenticity, quality and teamwork. As we continue to grow, there are genuine opportunities to develop your career and be part of future openings.
Please note: This role is for York opening, with an anticipated mid-August 2026 start date ahead of an expected September 2026 opening. Timings are subject to final confirmation.
If you're excited by the opportunity to help launch a brand-new Federal café and leave your mark from day one, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,880.00-£43,300.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
