Job Description
Team Domenica is a Brighton-based, social enterprise charity helping people with learning disabilities find and retain paid work. As Head Chef, you will lead the kitchen team and take full ownership of the food operation. From menu development to team leadership, stock management to food safety, you’ll play a critical role in maintaining our high culinary standards while driving creativity and consistency in every dish. Our gastro pub will be unique as it will not only serve exceptional seasonal dishes, and a curated selection of local ales and fine wines, but will also be a training site during the day for our ‘candidates’ – young people with learning disabilities and autism – who are supported by Training Mentors.
Contract Details
CONTRACT: Permanent, full-time (up to 48 hours per week)
SALARY: £40-50,000 depending on experience
LINE MANAGER: General Manager
LINE REPORTS: Kitchen Team
How to apply
To apply for this position, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to: hr@teamdomenica.com
Shortlisted candidates will be emailed a Team Domenica Application Form to complete and return prior to interview as part of our Safer Recruitment policy.
Responsibilities and Duties
Culinary Leadership
- Create and deliver menus that reflect seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and premium British cuisine.
- Maintain consistency in food presentation, quality, and flavour across all services.
- Ensure all dishes meet our high standards and exceed guest expectations.
Team Management
- Recruit, train, and mentor a skilled kitchen team.
- Lead by example to foster a positive, professional, and productive kitchen culture.
- Conduct performance reviews, training plans, and daily briefings.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations including prep, service, cleaning, and close-down.
- Maintain full compliance with health & safety, food hygiene, and allergen protocols.
- Manage kitchen rotas, ensuring optimal staffing for service requirements.
Financial & Stock Control
- Manage kitchen budget, food cost percentages, and GP targets.
- Order stock efficiently and maintain supplier relationships.
- Control waste and portion sizes to drive profitability without compromising quality.
All staff have the duty to:
- Maintain the health and safety of themselves, colleagues and candidates as well as the public and visitors to Team Domenica.
- Prioritise the safeguarding of candidates by following the procedures and principles laid out in our policies and associated legislations.
- Promote equality of opportunity and respect difference and diversity with the Team Domenica community.
- Maintain a professional stance while at work, including being a positive advocate of the work of Team Domenica.
- This list of duties should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive as you may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities.
Requirements
Experience
- Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a premium pub, gastropub, or high-end dining venue (essential).
- Passion for seasonal cooking and modern British cuisine (essential).
- Deep knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP, and kitchen compliance standards (essential).
- Experience managing kitchen budgets, GP margins, and stock control (essential).
Qualifications
- Level 2 or 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification (or equivalent).
- Allergen & HACCP training.
- First Aid at Work (preferred).
- Culinary or hospitality qualifications (NVQ or equivalent).
Personal Specification
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.
Benefits
- Company Sick Pay: (post probation) 15 days in any 12-months rolling period for eligible employees.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Workplace Pension Contribution: 3% employer, 5% employee.
- Staff Discounts: 25% discount in our cafes and coffee products.
- Family friendly policies.
What to expect
Team Domenica is a Brighton-based charity supporting young people with learning disabilities – our candidates – into paid employment. We create futures for the individuals we support, helping them to discover their full potential, live happy fulfilled lives, and feel included within the local community.
Team Domenica is committed to the safeguarding and protection of young people and vulnerable adults. Employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory professional references and enhanced DBS certificate. Safeguarding Training will be given once the successful candidate begins their role.
Team Domenica is dedicated to providing an inclusive working environment that encourages diversity and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to supporting a team that is representative of a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.
As part of our recruitment process, Team Domenica collects, stores and processes personal data relating to job applicants.
Please refer to our Safer Recruitment Policy for information regarding all of the steps in our recruitment process and to find out more about how we use and protect the information you provide.
