Head Chef
New Today
Head Chef
to oversee all culinary operations across
The Brasserie, Minerva Bar, and Café on the Park
at
Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) . This role works closely alongside the Catering General Manager at Caper & Berry CFT and the Executive Chef of Caper & Berry, a company that has successfully catered at CFT for over
10 years , providing security, stability, and continuity. This is an opportunity for a
mature, confident leader
to take ownership of a dynamic kitchen team while delivering exceptional food and service. WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT
Restaurant service is
pre-show only , typically finishing around
7:30pm Most kitchen team members finish between
8:00pm and 9:00pm Catering outlets open Monday to Saturday dependent on theatre show diary Occasional Sundays , but not regular Late finishes are limited to key events such as Press Nights ( approx. 2-3 per month ) This role is ideal for chefs seeking
high standards, leadership responsibility, and a structured working pattern . ABOUT THE ROLE
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for kitchen operations, ensuring consistently high-quality food across all outlets and events. Working in
close partnership with the Catering General Manager , you will lead a professional team, maintaining standards, managing costs, and creating a positive kitchen culture. A key focus is
mature, experienced team management - you will set the tone, mentor your chefs, and ensure every service meets exacting standards. We are looking for someone who is ready to bring
proven leadership, operational expertise, and culinary vision
to this established and respected operation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Kitchen Operations
Lead and manage the entire kitchen team across all outlets Demonstrate
mature and professional leadership , mentoring and motivating your team Plan rotas and staffing levels efficiently Hold regular team meetings and maintain strong communication Manage staffing costs and accurate recording of hours Food Quality & Menu Development
Develop and refine menus across all outlets Ensure all dishes are tested, costed, and delivered consistently Collaborate on seasonal and event menus Maintain full allergen compliance Food Safety & Compliance
Ensure full HACCP and EHO compliance Maintain exceptional kitchen organisation and cleanliness Champion food safety systems and ensure team adherence Financial & Stock Management
Control food costs and kitchen budgets Oversee ordering, supplier relationships, and produce quality Complete monthly stocktakes and reporting accurately Training, Recruitment & Development
Train and mentor the kitchen team, developing skills and standards Recruit and retain talented chefs Drive consistent, high-quality output across all services Events & Service Delivery
Oversee food delivery across theatre outlets and special events Ensure all services meet exacting standards Work closely with senior management to maintain seamless operations ABOUT YOU
Proven experience as a
Head Chef in a quality-led environment Mature, professional, and confident leader , capable of managing a diverse team Strong financial awareness (food cost, labour control) Passion for seasonal, high-quality food and menu innovation Excellent knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations Highly organised, calm under pressure, and consistent in standards Committed to developing and mentoring a high-performing team WHAT WE OFFER
Salary from £42,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Share of gratuities (£3,000£4,000 per year) Pre-show service pattern with usual finish times
89pm Occasional late finishes for key events (approx. 2-3 per month) Standard opening Monday to Saturday Occasional Sunday work, but not regular Creative influence across multiple outlets Healthcare cashback plan and free meal on shift A secure role with a company trusted by CFT for over
10 years APPLY NOW
If you are an experienced Head Chef looking for a stable, high-profile role where your leadership and culinary skills will be valued and challenged, wed love to hear from you. Apply today and lead the kitchen at
Chichester Festival Theatre
with
Caper & Berry .
TPBN1_UKCT
- Location:
- United Kingdom
- Job Type:
- PartTime
