Role Overview
We are seeking an exceptional chef to lead our production kitchen, Lomond Kitchen, while driving the creative development of our overall food offering. Lomond Kitchen is part of The Conic Group, operators of The Oak Tree Inn, St Mocha Coffee Shops and Loch Lomond Coffee Co.
This role combines operational leadership with culinary innovation, ensuring that our food is consistently of a high standard, scalable for production, and aligned with our brand vision.
The successful candidate will be equally comfortable managing large-scale kitchen operations and developing exciting new products and menus that are deliverable at each site.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Oversee daily operations of the production kitchen, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and compliance with food safety standards.
* Manage, train, and inspire a team of kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
* Maintain cost control through effective ordering, stock management, and waste reduction.
* Develop and implement production systems that ensure scalability and quality.
Creative Direction
* Lead menu and product development for the group, from concept to launch.
* Stay ahead of food trends and bring innovative ideas that fit the brand's identity.
* Develop seasonal specials, retail product lines, and signature dishes that showcase creativity and quality.
Leadership & Collaboration
* Act as the culinary face of the business, embodying the brand's food philosophy.
* Work closely with founders and management to set culinary direction and long-term strategy.
* Mentor the team to nurture both technical and creative talent within the kitchen.
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in a senior chef role (Head Chef, Executive Chef, or equivalent), ideally within both production and creative environments.
* Strong background in high-volume kitchen operations and/or food production.
* Track record of successful menu/product development.
* Excellent leadership and communication skills.
* Strong understanding of food safety, compliance, and kitchen management.
* Commercial awareness is desirable
Personal Attributes
* Creative thinker with a passion for food innovation.
* Hands-on leader who leads by example.
* Highly organised and solutions-focused.
* Collaborative mindset, comfortable working across different teams.
* Excited by the challenge of scaling a food brand without compromising quality.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary dependant on experience.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Flexitime
* On-site parking
* Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Balmaha G63: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person