Head Chef

Head Chef

Linlithgow

Salary £38,000 - £40,000 | Tronc £15,000 per year | Bonus up to 25% + uncapped stretch bonus (Circa £60,000 OTE)

We are delighted to be partnering with a well‑established, food‑led hospitality business to recruit a Head Chef in Linlithgow - a standout, high‑profile venue known for quality food, warm hospitality and strong local reputation.
This is a predominantly hands‑on, operational role, ideal for a Head Chef who thrives on leading from the front, running great services and building strong kitchen teams, while still having structured time set aside for admin and planning.
 
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen operation, delivering consistently high‑quality food while leading a motivated and engaged team. You'll have the autonomy to run your kitchen, with the support of a wider senior culinary team and clear performance frameworks in place.
The role is operationally focused, with approximately half a day per week dedicated solely to admin, allowing you to stay organised without being pulled away from the heart of the business.
 
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day‑to‑day kitchen operation, setting standards through example
- Deliver consistently high‑quality food in a busy, food‑led pub environment
- Recruit, train, develop and retain a strong kitchen team
- Manage food GP, stock control, ordering and waste effectively
- Ensure high standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance
- Work closely with front‑of‑house teams to deliver outstanding guest experiences
- Drive performance against agreed KPIs, contributing to bonus achievement
 
About You
This role will suit an experienced Head Chef (or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up) who is passionate about food, people and running a successful kitchen.
You'll ideally bring:
- Proven experience in a fresh‑food, high‑volume environment
- Strong leadership skills with a calm, organised approach
- Solid commercial understanding of GP and kitchen controls
- A hands‑on, sleeves‑rolled‑up mentality
- The ability to motivate and develop your team while maintaining high standards
 
Package & Rewards
This role offers one of the strongest total earning opportunities in the local market:
- Salary: £38,000 - £40,000
- Tips: Approximately £15,000 per year
- Bonus:
    - Up to 25% annual bonus linked to agreed KPIs
    - Uncapped stretch bonus on top for exceptional year's
- Work‑life balance:
    - Structured admin time (½ day per week)
    - Predominantly operational, kitchen‑focused role
Additional benefits include staff discounts, wellbeing support, long‑service rewards and ongoing development opportunities within a people‑driven hospitality business.
 
Why This Opportunity?
- Iconic venue with a strong food identity
- Clear structure, support and progression opportunities
- Competitive pay and genuinely achievable bonus scheme
- A business that values its chefs and invests in its people
 
If you're a Head Chef looking for a stable, well‑rewarded role where food quality, team culture and leadership truly matter, this is an outstanding opportunity.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence