Kitchen Lead Chef Opportunity – Oldfield Forge Café
Take ownership of a growing kitchen, develop your career, and help shape the future of a unique rural café business.
Job Overview
Oldfield Forge Café is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Chef to become our Kitchen Lead and take responsibility for leading our small, dedicated kitchen team.
This is a unique opportunity for a chef who wants to take ownership of a kitchen, influence menus, develop their skills, and play a key role in the growth of a family-run rural café business.
You will be responsible for maintaining high food standards, managing day-to-day kitchen operations, supporting menu development, and ensuring the smooth running of the kitchen. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys variety, responsibility, creativity, and being part of a close-knit team.
About Oldfield Forge Café
Oldfield Forge Café is set in the heart of rural Herefordshire, where we pride ourselves on creating quality, homemade food with a street-food influence, using fresh local produce wherever possible.
With the launch of our new outdoor BBQ kitchen this summer and our expanding catering offering, this is an exciting opportunity to join the team at an important time in our development.
The Role
We are looking for a chef with a minimum of 2 years’ kitchen experience, strong culinary skills, creativity, and a genuine passion for producing outstanding food.
This role would suit an experienced chef looking for their next challenge or someone ready to take the next step in their career. We will provide support and guidance to the right candidate who demonstrates commitment, enthusiasm, and the drive to succeed.
The kitchen is a small, close-knit three-person operation consisting of yourself, our current Chef, and a Kitchen Assistant. This structure provides a unique opportunity for someone who wants responsibility, creative input, and the ability to make a real impact on the quality, reputation, and future direction of the business.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring excellent organisation and attention to detail. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the daily kitchen operation and maintaining consistently high food standards
- Menu development and creating seasonal specials
- Stock management, stock rotation, and ordering
- Effective planning to reduce food waste and maximise efficiency
- Maintaining food safety standards, paperwork, and full traceability
- Supporting catering and event opportunities
- Working collaboratively with the wider team to deliver an excellent customer experience
As part of a small team, flexibility is essential. During quieter periods, you will be expected to support all areas of the kitchen operation, including chef duties, KP responsibilities, pastry preparation, sous chef support, and pot wash when required.
This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in every aspect of kitchen life and wants the opportunity to grow, develop, and build a reputation within an ambitious business.
Alongside our café service, we are working closely with local wedding venues to provide breakfasts for groups of 50+ guests, creating exciting opportunities to expand our catering and events offering.
If you are looking for more than just a job — if you want the opportunity to develop your career, bring your ideas to life, and become an important part of a growing business — we would like to hear from you.
Benefits
We believe in rewarding commitment, hard work, and the contribution each team member makes. As part of the Oldfield Forge Café team, you will benefit from:
- Free onsite parking
- Company pension scheme
- Holiday entitlement accrued at 12.07% — uncapped; the more hours you work, the more holiday you accrue
- Two weeks’ closure over Christmas, allowing valuable time to rest and spend with family and friends
- Easter Sunday off
- After successfully completing your probation period, enjoy a complimentary knife-making experience at Oldfield Forge
- Employee of the Month recognition, including an Oldfield Forge gift card
- Staff discounts on selected items
- The opportunity to develop your skills, contribute ideas, and grow your career within an expanding family-run business
Location
Rural HR2, Herefordshire
Due to our beautiful rural location, own transport is essential. We are conveniently located for Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, and Abergavenny.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short introduction to [email protected] or call 01981 580016 for an informal conversation.
We look forward to welcoming a chef who shares our passion for great food, high standards, and creating something special.
Pay: £13.50-£16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
