We're opening our kitchen – and looking for the right person to lead it.
Social Refuge is a 7000 sq ft queer-owned coffee shop, bar, bookshop, and event space built on creativity, connection, and community. As we launch our brand new food offering, we're searching for a passionate and driven Head Chef to bring bold ideas, strong leadership, and serious flavour to our kitchen.
About the Role
This is more than just a kitchen job. We're building something special – a food offering that reflects the energy of Manchester's Northern Quarter, with a modern, funky brunch and breakfast menu that excites people and keeps them coming back. You'll be central to shaping that.
Key responsibilities:
* Lead the kitchen day-to-day, maintaining high standards in food quality, cleanliness, and consistency.
* Create and evolve the menu alongside the owner – bringing creativity, seasonality, and a clear identity to our dishes.
* Build and manage a small kitchen team, setting the tone for collaboration, respect, and professionalism.
* Foster a positive and inclusive work culture, where every team member feels safe, supported, and valued – especially when things get busy.
* Manage stock and suppliers – ordering, budgeting, minimising waste.
* Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, safety, and allergen standards.
* Help develop new ideas, specials, and event-specific food offerings.
About You
You're someone who loves food, understands the power that food has to bring people and communities together. You thrive in creative environments, take pride in leading by example and inspiring your team and you're not afraid to roll your sleeves up.
You should have:
* Proven experience in a professional kitchen, ideally in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role.
* A calm, respectful leadership style – you know how to keep a cool head and bring people with you, even under pressure.
* A track record of developing menus and managing small teams.
* Strong organisational skills and confidence managing stock, budgets, and compliance.
* A collaborative approach – you're a good communicator and team player.
* A genuine passion for building inclusive, community-first spaces.
Experience with brunch-style menus, plant-based options, or operating in a high-volume café/bar setting is a big plus.
Why Work With Us?
At Social Refuge, we're building a venue that reflects the diverse, vibrant, and creative people who walk through our doors. From queer literature to live music, from quiet coffee mornings to packed-out events – everything we do is rooted in care, quality, and connection.
If you're looking for a place where your ideas matter, your identity is respected, and your food can help shape a new destination in Manchester, we want to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Store discount
Work Location: In person