Head Chef – Peoples Coffee
Based in the South West | Full-time | Salary: Competitive + perks
About Peoples Coffee
Peoples Coffee is a fast-growing, purpose-led coffee brand rooted in community, connection, and quality. Our café and roastery serve as a hub — for great coffee, beautiful food, and real human experiences.
We're building more than just a menu — we're building a movement. As we grow our café and hospitality offering, we're looking for a Head Chef who shares our values and vision, and who's ready to create a food experience that complements our coffee and brings people together.
The Role
As Head Chef, you'll lead the kitchen operation at our flagship café and roastery. You'll have creative freedom to design and execute a seasonal, coffee-paired menu that's simple, soulful, and memorable — while ensuring the kitchen runs with precision and purpose.
You'll be responsible for everything from food quality and team leadership, to systems, suppliers, margins, and hygiene standards. You'll work closely with the General Manager and founders to develop a kitchen culture that's as warm and welcoming as the front of house.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
* Lead the daily kitchen operation, including food prep, service, and clean-down
* Create and evolve a small, focused, seasonal menu using high-quality, local ingredients
* Ensure consistency, quality, and creativity in every dish
* Maintain cleanliness, food safety, and health and safety standards
* Manage kitchen budget, food costs, and wastage targets
Team & Culture
* Hire, train, and lead a positive, collaborative kitchen team
* Foster a calm, respectful kitchen environment with high standards
* Set up systems that support growth and efficiency
* Work hand-in-hand with FOH, baristas, and management to ensure a seamless customer experience
Strategy & Development
* Contribute ideas for menu expansions, pop-ups, events, and food-led experiences
* Build relationships with local suppliers and producers
* Provide input into layout, equipment, and kitchen operations as the brand grows
* Support with expansion into new venues or offerings (brunch, evenings, etc.)
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in high-quality cafés, restaurants, or delis
* Passionate about great food and how it complements exceptional coffee
* A leader who leads from the front — organised, creative, calm under pressure
* Solid understanding of kitchen systems, hygiene, margins, and team management
* Ability to create delicious, seasonal, aesthetically pleasing food that's cost-aware
* Comfortable working with a small, agile team and growing brand
* Bonus: love of coffee, knowledge of pairings or café culture
What You'll Get
* Creative freedom to shape a new café food identity from scratch
* Opportunity to help build a new kind of hospitality brand
* Great working hours (mostly daytime, no late nights)
* Competitive salary with growth opportunities as the business expands
* Collaborative team environment and beautiful working space
* Coffee. So much coffee.
To Apply
Email your CV and a short note or portfolio of dishes to
We welcome chefs from all backgrounds and walks of life. If you're passionate about people, produce, and purpose — we want to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person