Head Chef

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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.