Head Chef

Location: Banchory

Head Chef

Location:

Just outside Banchory

Hours:

Full-time
Start: ASAP
Salary:
Competitive, based on experience

Activus Recruitment is delighted to be supporting our client, a premier equestrian centre just outside Banchory, in their search for a commercially minded and adaptable Head Chef to lead their on-site café and event kitchen.

This is a unique opportunity to run a 64-cover café that acts as the social hub for liveries, visitors, and event competitors — balancing high-quality daytime service with high-volume event catering and creative themed evenings.

The Opportunity

This role requires a versatile, hands-on chef who thrives in both steady weekday service and fast-paced weekend events. You will take full ownership of the kitchen’s performance — from menu development and GP control to staffing and event execution.

Key Responsibilities

Menu & Event Delivery

* Lead daily service for a 64-cover café, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation

* Create and execute diverse menus for show days, clinics, and private equestrian events

* Deliver high-volume “rider fuel” during competitions alongside more refined plated options

* Design and deliver creative theme nights (e.g. bistro evenings, steak nights) to maximise revenue and utilise the full capacity of the café

Financial & Operational Management

* Full responsibility for menu costing and GP performance

* Monitor labour percentages and manage rotas in line with demand

* Conduct regular stock takes and manage supplier relationships, factoring in rural logistics

* Minimise waste and maximise profitability, particularly during quieter midweek periods

Kitchen Leadership & Compliance

* Lead, train, and mentor a small kitchen team

* Scale staffing appropriately for busy event weekends

* Maintain Food Hygiene rating and oversee all Health & Safety documentation

* Ensure smooth systems, prep planning, and operational readiness for event days

The Ideal Candidate

* Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a café, bistro, or event-led environment

* Commercially aware, with solid understanding of GP%, labour control, and costings

* Organised and forward-thinking — using quieter days for prep, admin, and planning

* Comfortable working independently during quieter shifts and leading from the front during high-volume service

* Creative and motivated to grow the theme night and events offering

* Level 3 Food Hygiene certified

* Full UK Driving Licence and own transport (essential due to rural location)

What’s on Offer

* Competitive salary based on experience

* Full autonomy to shape menus and grow the events calendar

* A unique rural working environment with a loyal, engaged community

* Opportunity to build and expand the themed evening and event catering side of the business

If you’re a commercially minded Head Chef looking for ownership, creativity, and the chance to grow a kitchen operation within a dynamic events venue, we’d love to hear from you