ABOUT US
The Three Wishes Café is a family-run bistro in the heart of Sherborne, Dorset. We took over the café in 2025 and have been building something we're genuinely proud of — a welcoming, quality-focused neighbourhood destination that takes its food seriously.
We are now looking for an experienced and principled Head Chef to lead our kitchen. This is a hands-on leadership role in a small, close-knit operation where standards, accountability, and craftsmanship matter.
THE ROLE
As Head Chef, you will have full ownership of the kitchen — from menu development and stock management to food safety compliance and team leadership. You will work directly with the owners and report to them on kitchen performance.
This is not a back-office role. You will be present, leading from the front, and setting the standard for every dish that leaves the kitchen.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Kitchen Leadership
- Lead and manage the kitchen brigade day-to-day, delegating prep and service tasks effectively
- Set and uphold conduct, performance, and quality standards across the team
- Manage kitchen rotas and scheduling to ensure adequate cover at all times
- Support the recruitment and induction of new kitchen staff in partnership with the owners
- Conduct regular 1-to-1s and performance conversations with kitchen team members
Menu Development
- Develop and refresh the seasonal menu, making best use of local and quality produce
- Create and rotate weekly and daily specials that reflect skill, creativity, and value
- Cost all dishes accurately, controlling input costs to meet owner-set financial targets
- Collaborate with the owners on menu direction and maintain the café's established identity
- Keep menus current with dietary requirements, allergen obligations, and customer feedback
Stock & Cost Management
- Order stock in quantities that reflect demand, minimising waste and over-ordering
- Inspect all deliveries on arrival; reject produce that does not meet quality standards
- Maintain strict FIFO stock rotation and ensure all stock is correctly labelled with dates
- Monitor food cost on an ongoing basis and flag any factors that may affect margins
- Maintain portion discipline to ensure dishes are prepared and served to costed specifications
- Build and maintain productive relationships with approved suppliers
Food Safety & EHO Compliance
- Maintain full compliance with all food safety legislation and EHO requirements
- Act as the primary point of contact for any EHO inspection or visit
- Maintain and update HACCP documentation, temperature logs, probe records, and cooling records
- Ensure all allergen information is accurate, up to date, and clearly communicated to front-of-house
- Manage COSHH requirements: safe storage, correct labelling, and proper use of all cleaning products
- Hold and maintain a current, relevant food hygiene qualification appropriate to the role
Cleaning & Hygiene Management
- Implement and oversee a cleaning schedule covering all kitchen areas, surfaces, and equipment
- Ensure all staff understand and complete their individual cleaning responsibilities to the required standard
- Maintain written cleaning records as required by food safety legislation
- Oversee regular deep cleans and equipment maintenance checks
Training & Development
- Ensure all new kitchen staff receive a thorough induction covering food safety, allergens, and kitchen standards
- Run skills development and training sessions for junior kitchen staff
- Ensure all kitchen staff hold valid food hygiene certifications and support timely renewals
Communication & Cross-Team Working
- Brief front-of-house staff on specials, menu changes, and allergen information ahead of service
- Attend management meetings and contribute to wider operational and business discussions
- Report directly to the owners on kitchen performance, challenges, and opportunities
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
- Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP, allergen management, and EHO requirements
- A current Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification (or willingness to obtain one promptly)
- Demonstrable experience in menu development, dish costing, and stock management
- The ability to lead a small team with clarity, consistency, and respect
- A hands-on approach — you lead by doing, not just by directing
- Strong organisational skills and a high standard of personal accountability
- Experience in a similar bistro, café, or restaurant environment preferred
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter telling us about your experience and why this role appeals to you. We look forward to hearing from you.
Applications via Indeed or directly to the café at 78 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset.
Find us on Instagram: @thethreewishessherborne
The Three Wishes Café is an equal opportunities employer.
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sherborne DT9 3BJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Have you worked as a Head Chef before?
Experience:
- Kitchen management: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: In person
