£32,000–£34,000 DOE | 5 days, 40 hours | Open kitchen
Hetty’s Place, Gloucester Docks
We’re looking for a Head Chef to play a central role in the day-to-day running and future success of Hetty’s Place. This is a role for someone who cares about food, people, and how a business works as a whole, and who wants to help shape something that’s already well loved and still growing.
The role
As Head Chef, you’ll lead the kitchen day to day and work closely with the Café Manager and Founder as part of the management team. A visible leadership role in an open, customer-facing kitchen, with real influence over how the café operates.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the kitchen with consistency, clarity, and high standards
- Developing and refining the brunch menu — creative, seasonal and commercially sound
- Sourcing great ingredients and maintaining strong supplier relationships
- Managing food costings, GP, stock control, and waste
- Putting clear, practical systems in place to support smooth service
- Training and supporting the kitchen team
- Working closely with FOH to improve communication and flow
- Taking ownership of the kitchen while contributing to wider business decisions
- Maintaining strong food safety standards, with EHO compliance, record keeping, and due diligence kept clear and up to date
Salary, hours & environment
- £32,000–£34,000 per year (depending on experience)
- 5 days per week, 40 hours
- Daytime only, no evenings
- Open, customer-facing kitchen
Who this role suits
This role would suit someone who:
- Is an experienced chef used to from scratch cooking
- An experienced leader, taking ownership & responsibility seriously
- Cares about food sourcing, quality, consistency, and cost control
- Communicates well and enjoys working closely with FOH
- Has previous experience in an independent business, enjoying being part of building and growing a business over time
Team Culture
This is firmly a Head Chef, kitchen-based role, but a willingness to muck in during busy moments — whether that’s taking food to customers, helping with pot wash, or making a coffee — is important in supporting the wider team. Good service only works when people help each other out.
The kitchen team consists of the Head Chef, one full-time chef, and one part-time chef, supported by a cross-trained FOH team. The role includes lone working in the kitchen for part of the week (around two days), so it suits someone confident working independently and taking ownership during quieter periods.
About us...
Hetty’s Place is known for brunch, brownies, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the sister business to Hetty’s Kitchen (bakery), but the café has its own identity and ambition.
The menu is seasonal, generous and made from scratch, sitting between comforting classics and modern, flavour-led plates. A lot is made in-house, including rostis, sausage patties and sauces. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, with a strong focus on championing independent producers.
In 2026, the focus is on strengthening how the café runs — from food and systems to teamwork and service — while keeping the creativity and character people come for. There are plans to grow over time, with opportunities for increased responsibility for the right person.
How to apply
Please send a CV and a short note outlining your experience and interest in the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £32,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Kitchen management: 1 year (required)
- Chef: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
