Head Chef - Peterborough

Job Title: Head Chef
Establishment: Restaurant within a Premier Garden Centre
Location: near Peterborough
Salary: £31,000 - £33,500 P/A + Tips
Hours: Full-time, Permanent (Minimum 35 hours per week)

Pineapple Recruitment is proud to represent a well-established garden centre restaurant in Lincolnshire, known for its light, welcoming atmosphere and menus that showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Set against the backdrop of beautifully landscaped gardens, the restaurant serves everything from hearty breakfasts and light lunches to indulgent afternoon teas—making it a favourite destination for families and food enthusiasts alike.

The Opportunity

My client are looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver consistently high-quality food and service. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a motivated chef who thrives in a busy daytime setting and is eager to inspire a team while shaping and evolving the menu. Offering a supportive and friendly working environment, a loyal customer base, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, this position is perfect for a chef who wants to make a meaningful contribution and enjoy a fulfilling career.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of day-to-day kitchen operations, maintaining the highest food quality and hygiene standards

• Design and update menus based on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients

• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen, and hygiene regulations

• Manage stock levels, ordering, and kitchen costs to support profitability

• Train, motivate, and lead the kitchen team to ensure smooth, efficient service

• Collaborate with front-of-house and management to ensure a seamless customer experience

• Support special events and promotions through innovative menu planning

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in professional kitchens, including 3 years in a Head Chef role

• Level 3 Food Safety qualification and strong allergen management knowledge

• Proven ability to lead and develop a team, including rota planning and performance management

• Creative flair in producing both classic and contemporary dishes to suit a variety of dietary preferences

• Strong budgeting and stock control capabilities

• A full UK driving licence (due to rural location)

• A qualification in Hospitality or Culinary Arts is desirable

What’s on Offer

• Competitive hourly rate plus tips

• Paid holiday (pro-rata)

• Free meals while on shift

• Staff discount across the garden centre

• Company pension scheme

• Free on-site parking

• Opportunities for training and professional development

If you're a creative and driven Head Chef looking to join a supportive and progressive kitchen team, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now via Pineapple Recruitment and take the next step in your culinary career at one of Lincolnshire’s most charming destinations.

Pineapple Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.