Overview
Head Chef role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Salary: £40,000 per annum plus an excellent bonus and benefits package. Hours: 40 hours per week, 5 days over 7 to include evenings and weekends depending on business needs. Requirement: Food Hygiene Level 3 as a minimum.
We are looking for a talented Head Chef to join our Heritage Portfolio team and help shape the next chapter of this remarkable venue. You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across the John Hope Gateway Café, Arboretum Suite, mobile units, and event catering at RBGE. You’ll inspire and develop a kitchen team, maintain exceptional standards, and drive innovation in menu design and sustainable practices. This is a chance to work in one of Edinburgh’s most stunning and unique venues.
What You'll Do
* Leading day-to-day kitchen operations across retail, café, and event spaces.
* Supporting the Executive Chef in menu creation, cost control, and compliance.
* Championing sustainability by collaborating with the garden team to incorporate home-grown produce and seasonal ingredients.
* Managing kitchen finances to achieve food and labour cost targets.
* Training, mentoring, and developing your team to reach their full potential.
* Delivering dishes that celebrate provenance, creativity, and the beauty of nature.
What You Bring
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-led kitchen (retail café and plated service experience essential).
* A flair for innovation and sustainable menu development.
* Strong leadership and organisational skills with the ability to inspire your team.
* Sound knowledge of HACCP, Food Safety, and Health & Safety standards.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
* Passion for Scottish produce, local sourcing, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
What We Offer
* Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work-related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
* The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
* A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
* Flexible and dynamic work environment
* Access to ongoing training and development programs
* Countless opportunities to grow within the company.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Attachments
* UK Rewards and Benefits Guide.pdf
* Head Chef JHG JD 2025.pdf
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