We are looking for a Head Chef who will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operation of The Lambing Shed Café kitchen. Reporting to the Head of Food / Executive Chef, the role ensures consistently high standards of food quality, service, hygiene and team performance.
Working within the food vision and menus set by the Head of Food and Directors, the Head Chef will lead the kitchen team, manage daily service, maintain stock and food costs, and ensure the kitchen operates efficiently.
An Exciting Time to Join Us
The Lambing Shed is a thriving, independent farm shop café with a reputation for serving exceptional fresh food in a welcoming setting. We are passionate about quality ingredients, with much of our beef and lamb coming directly from our own farm and prepared by our skilled on-site butchery team. This unique farm-to-fork approach allows our chefs to work with outstanding produce and create dishes that celebrate the very best of local, seasonal ingredients.
With significant investment planned for next year, we will be doubling the size of our restaurant, creating an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Head Chef to help shape the future of our food offering. Working alongside our Head of Food / Executive Chef, you'll play a key role in developing the kitchen, growing the team and maintaining the exceptional standards that our customers have come to expect.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the café kitchen.
- Ensure smooth, efficient service during breakfast, lunch and special events.
- Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and portion control.
- Organise daily preparation and service to meet customer demand.
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
- Manage kitchen rotas, holidays and daily staffing levels.
- Train new team members and support ongoing development.
- Foster a positive, professional and supportive kitchen culture.
- Carry out performance reviews and address day-to-day performance issues.
Food Quality
- Deliver menus, recipes and specifications set by the Head of Food / Executive Chef.
- Ensure consistency across all dishes served.
- Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation within the kitchen.
Stock & Cost Control
- Manage stock levels and place food orders within agreed budgets.
- Monitor food costs, portion control and waste.
- Ensure stock is rotated correctly and minimise spoilage.
- Assist with stocktakes and cost reporting.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, allergen and HACCP procedures.
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen.
- Complete all required food safety records and documentation.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and any faults are reported promptly.
Communication & Collaboration
- Work closely with the Head of Food / Executive Chef to deliver seasonal menu changes and new dishes.
- Communicate effectively with the Front of House team to ensure excellent customer service.
- Support collaboration with the production kitchen, deli and butcher when required.
- Assist with catering for events, functions and seasonal promotions.
Customer Experience
- Ensure every dish leaving the kitchen meets The Lambing Shed's quality standards.
- Respond positively to customer feedback.
- Support continuous improvement in service, food quality and kitchen efficiency.
Reporting & Working Relationships
Reports to: Head of Food / Executive Chef
Works closely with: Production Kitchen Lead, Deli Manager, Front of House Manager, Head Butcher
Direct Reports: Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Commis Chefs, Kitchen Assistants and Kitchen Porters
Person Profile
The successful candidate will be an experienced chef with excellent organisational and leadership skills. They will thrive in a busy fresh-food kitchen, lead by example and take pride in producing consistently high-quality food. They will be passionate about developing their team, maintaining exceptional standards and delivering an outstanding customer experience while supporting the vision of the business.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
