Job Opportunities API

Head Chef – Terminus Tavern Lead the Kitchen at One of the Island’s Most Established Pub Destinations At the Terminus Tavern, we are passionate about delivering exceptional food alongside great hospitality. We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen, lead a talented team, and help shape the future of our food offer. This is more than a kitchen management role. It's an opportunity to influence menus, develop chefs, drive commercial performance, and create memorable dining experiences for our guests. If you are a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in producing quality food, we would love to hear from you. The Role As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, team development and operational excellence. You will lead by example, inspire your team, and work closely with the management team to deliver an outstanding food offering that supports the reputation and success of the Terminus Tavern. What You'll Be Doing Kitchen Leadership & Team Development • Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service standards. • Recruit, train and coach chefs and kitchen team members to reach their full potential. • Create a positive, professional and high-performing kitchen culture. • Manage rotas, staffing levels and labour costs to support business needs. • Conduct regular team briefings, performance reviews and development conversations. Food Quality & Menu Excellence • Ensure every dish is prepared and presented to the highest standards of quality and consistency. • Take ownership of menu execution, recipe adherence and food presentation. • Work collaboratively on seasonal menus, specials and new food initiatives. • Champion fresh food preparation and continuous improvement within the kitchen. • Drive innovation while maintaining the character and reputation of the business. Commercial Performance • Manage stock control, purchasing and supplier relationships effectively. • Monitor and control food costs, gross profit performance and kitchen expenditure. • Minimise waste through effective planning, portion control and stock management. • Analyse kitchen performance and implement improvements where required. • Support the wider business in achieving food sales and profitability targets. Kitchen Operations & Compliance • Maintain exemplary food safety, hygiene and allergen management standards. • Ensure compliance with all legislation, company policies and environmental health requirements. • Lead daily, weekly and monthly kitchen checks, audits and documentation. • Drive a culture of accountability for cleanliness, organisation and safe working practices. • Ensure the kitchen consistently achieves and maintains the highest hygiene standards. Service Delivery • Lead from the front during busy service periods. • Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently whilst maintaining quality under pressure. • Work collaboratively with front of house teams to deliver a seamless guest experience. • Take ownership of guest feedback relating to food and use insights to drive improvement. What We're Looking For Essential • Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager within a quality food-led pub, restaurant or hospitality operation. • Strong leadership and people management skills. • Level 2 Food Safety Certificate (minimum). • Excellent understanding of food safety, allergen management and kitchen compliance. • Proven ability to manage stock, GP margins and labour costs. • Strong organisational and communication skills. • Ability to lead a team confidently during busy service periods. Desirable • Relevant professional chef qualifications. • Experience developing menus and seasonal specials. • Knowledge of budgeting and commercial kitchen performance management. • Multi-site or branded hospitality experience. • Advanced Food Safety qualification. Personal Attributes We're looking for someone who: • Takes genuine pride in their food and their team. • Leads with energy, professionalism and integrity. • Is commercially aware and results focused. • Remains calm, organised and decisive under pressure. • Enjoys developing people and building strong teams. • Has a passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences. • Brings fresh ideas and continually looks for ways to improve. Reporting Structure The Head Chef reports directly to the General Manager and works closely with the wider Operations Team. The role is responsible for all aspects of kitchen performance, including food quality, compliance, team development, stock control and commercial delivery. Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a well-established kitchen, influence the food offer, develop your own team, and play a key role in the continued success of one of the Isle of Man's most recognised pub venues. You'll have the autonomy to make an impact while being supported by an experienced hospitality business that values great food, great people and great service.