Head Chef

Job title: Head Chef

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef to join our team. This opportunity has arisen following a recent internal promotion. We are looking for a friendly, proactive, and experienced individual to join our kitchen team. Our on-site eatery proudly holds a 5-star VisitScotland rating and offers a range of freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea options, alongside high-quality coffee and teas.

In this role, you will play a key part in leading the kitchen team, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene. You will be responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating kitchen activities while supporting a positive and efficient working environment.

This is a permanent, part-time role, working 38 hours per week. The role includes working some weekends, so flexibility is required.

Rate of pay for this role starts from £29000 per annum, dependent on experience.

About the role

Leadership

• Lead, support, and motivate the kitchen team, working closely with the Coffee Shop Manager
• Take an active role in the company’s PDR process, identifying training and development needs
• Ensure team members understand company goals, policies, and procedures, including attendance and time management
• Conduct Managing Attendance interviews in line with company procedures
• Deliver regular team briefings to ensure clear and effective communication
• Proactively resolve operational challenges, prioritising tasks to maximise efficiency and minimise disruption

General Duties

• Ensure all food safety, cleaning schedules, and allergen controls are completed daily
• Plan menus and manage costings while minimising waste
• Place supplier orders accurately and on time
• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen environment
• Monitor and record food temperatures regularly
• Promote best working practices and continuous improvement
• Achieve Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene for Supervisors

Teamwork & Communication

• Encourage collaboration and make effective use of each team member’s strengths
• Motivate the team to deliver high standards in a fast-paced environment
• Lead regular team briefings and one-to-one meetings
• Monitor progress against targets and deadlines
• Act as a role model and mentor, supporting the development of future leaders

About you

We are looking for someone who brings both strong leadership and a genuine passion for food:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead and inspire a team
• Strong understanding of food safety, allergens, and kitchen compliance standards
• A passion for using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and preparing dishes from scratch
• Proven experience working in a busy, fast-paced kitchen environment
• High attention to detail, particularly in food presentation and quality
• A proactive and creative approach, with enthusiasm for developing new dishes and contributing to menu innovation
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• A positive, hands-on attitude with a commitment to maintaining high standards

About Us

Founded in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is an innovative, luxury clothing brand celebrating 225 years of experience in working with the world’s finest fibres. Across three centuries, our family-owned company has carefully sources cashmere and fine woollen fibres from around the world, applying the latest technology and highest quality craft expertise in our very own vertical Scottish mills. Employing over 1,000 staff, our valued employees and communities are at the heart of everything we do, producing unique, high-quality designs that are made to last. Our brand is focused on sustainability, working with natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibres and we are committed to maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Johnstons of Elgin is proud to be an equal opportunity employer wholeheartedly supporting the principles of equality and diversity to build an inclusive workforce. Our aim is to embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do to create an environment where our employees feel safe to be their whole authentic self without having to downplay or change parts of their identity. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, which goes beyond those characteristics protected by law to include everything that makes us unique, from our backgrounds and experiences to our personalities and ways of thinking.

We endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and encourage any candidate who requires assistance to contact us at [email protected].

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement or qualification. At Johnstons of Elgin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but think your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Please note all applicants must be able to provide evidence of their right to remain and take up paid employment in country job is based.

Closing Date – Friday, 10 July 2026