Head Chef Location: Just outside Banchory Hours: Full-time Start: ASAP Salary: Competitive, based on experience Activus Recruitment is delighted to be supporting our client, a premier equestrian centre just outside Banchory, in their search for a commercially minded and adaptable Head Chef to lead their on-site café and event kitchen. This is a unique opportunity to run a 64-cover café that acts as the social hub for liveries, visitors, and event competitors — balancing high-quality daytime service with high-volume event catering and creative themed evenings. The Opportunity This role requires a versatile, hands-on chef who thrives in both steady weekday service and fast-paced weekend events. You will take full ownership of the kitchen’s performance — from menu development and GP control to staffing and event execution. Key Responsibilities Menu & Event Delivery * Lead daily service for a 64-cover café, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation * Create and execute diverse menus for show days, clinics, and private equestrian events * Deliver high-volume “rider fuel” during competitions alongside more refined plated options * Design and deliver creative theme nights (e.g. bistro evenings, steak nights) to maximise revenue and utilise the full capacity of the café Financial & Operational Management * Full responsibility for menu costing and GP performance * Monitor labour percentages and manage rotas in line with demand * Conduct regular stock takes and manage supplier relationships, factoring in rural logistics * Minimise waste and maximise profitability, particularly during quieter midweek periods Kitchen Leadership & Compliance * Lead, train, and mentor a small kitchen team * Scale staffing appropriately for busy event weekends * Maintain Food Hygiene rating and oversee all Health & Safety documentation * Ensure smooth systems, prep planning, and operational readiness for event days The Ideal Candidate * Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a café, bistro, or event-led environment * Commercially aware, with solid understanding of GP%, labour control, and costings * Organised and forward-thinking — using quieter days for prep, admin, and planning * Comfortable working independently during quieter shifts and leading from the front during high-volume service * Creative and motivated to grow the theme night and events offering * Level 3 Food Hygiene certified * Full UK Driving Licence and own transport (essential due to rural location) What’s on Offer * Competitive salary based on experience * Full autonomy to shape menus and grow the events calendar * A unique rural working environment with a loyal, engaged community * Opportunity to build and expand the themed evening and event catering side of the business If you’re a commercially minded Head Chef looking for ownership, creativity, and the chance to grow a kitchen operation within a dynamic events venue, we’d love to hear from you