Head Chef

Smoky Sam's BBQ

Up to £40,000Full TimePermanentNot specifiedHospitality

Posted 15 March 2026Closes 23 April 2026

Apply for this role ⇄ Compare with another role

👤 For candidates

🤖 Enhance with AI

›Use AI tools for rota and inventory planning
›Leverage digital platforms for allergen compliance tracking
›Analyse sales data with AI to optimise menu choices

📈 Disruption outlook

1 yr

5 yrs

10 yrs

% risk of significant disruption

🎓 Learn now

📚 For full-time, part-time & evening courses on the Isle of Man, visit University College Isle of Man (UCM)

🏢 For employers

🔄 Alternatives

💻 TechnologyKitchen Management Software

Automates rotas, inventory, and compliance documentation

🤖 AI AgentAI Menu Analysis Tool

Optimises menu pricing using sales and cost data

🌍 OutsourcingExternal Compliance Audits

Ensures food safety with periodic third-party checks

⚡ Recommendation

⚡ Augment role

AI can streamline admin tasks but not replace creative leadership

Microsoft Copilot & M365

Power Automate

Automate rota and inventory workflows

Copilot for Excel

Analyse GP%, costs, and sales trends

Microsoft Teams

Coordinate staff training and kitchen communication

38% Medium riskAI 56%

AI Exposure (AIOE)56%

Chefs and Head Cooks

O*NET 35-1011.00

Top Skills

Food Production Menu Development Health and Safety

⭐ Growing🇬🇧 Visa eligible↑ 0% Claude Index

Job Description

The Head Chef is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the kitchen, ensuring consistent food quality, smooth service, and full compliance with food safety and EHO standards. The role includes managing kitchen rotas in line with wage percentage targets, overseeing staff training and development, maintaining HACCP systems, controlling stock, suppliers, and GP%, reducing waste, and assisting with menu development including costing and allergen compliance. Strong leadership, organisation, communication, and cost-control skills are essential, alongside the ability to run a busy kitchen and maintain high standards under pressure. Previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar senior kitchen role is required, with a good working knowledge of food safety, stock control, and team management. Applicants should apply by submitting a CV and brief cover note outlining their relevant experience and suitability for the role. For more details and to apply contact smokysamsbbq@gmail.com

Automation Risk

Automation probability38%

AI exposure (AIOE)56%

While some routine aspects of the Head Chef role—such as rota planning, inventory management, and compliance documentation—can be automated or augmented by digital tools, the core responsibilities require hands-on leadership, creativity, and real-time decision-making in a high-pressure environment. AI and software can assist with analysis, training, and compliance, but the role's human, creative, and social demands keep overall automation risk moderate and AI exposure medium-high.

Task analysis

Lead and supervise daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth service and food quality.
Maintain and enforce food safety, HACCP, and EHO compliance standards.
Develop staff rotas and manage scheduling in line with wage percentage targets.
Oversee staff training and development to maintain high standards and team performance.
Control stock levels, order supplies, and manage supplier relationships.
Monitor and analyze GP% (gross profit), food costings, and waste reduction.
Assist with menu development, including dish costing and allergen compliance.
Ensure consistent food presentation and quality during busy service periods.
Communicate effectively with front-of-house and management to coordinate service.

Automatable AI-assisted Human-only

Occupational Classification

✨ Bright Outlook🇬🇧 UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligible

UK SOC2020: 5434 — Chefs

O*NET: 35-1011.00 — Chefs and Head Cooks

AI analysis: 15 March 2026

UK Salary Benchmark

Food and beverage service activities · ONS ASHE 2024 annual earnings

scale £40k

This vacancy

£40,000✓ above median

UK sector median

£15,733

UK sector mean

£19,455

£0£10k£20k£30k

👤 For Candidates

AI & future-of-work guidance

🤖 Enhance with AI

›Use AI tools for rota and inventory planning
›Leverage digital platforms for allergen compliance tracking
›Analyse sales data with AI to optimise menu choices

📈 Disruption outlook

1 yr

5 yrs

10 yrs

% risk of significant disruption

🎓 Learn now

📚 For full-time, part-time & evening courses on the Isle of Man, visit University College Isle of Man (UCM)

🏢 For Employers

Strategic hiring options & technology alternatives

🔄 Alternatives

💻 TechnologyKitchen Management Software

Automates rotas, inventory, and compliance documentation

🤖 AI AgentAI Menu Analysis Tool

Optimises menu pricing using sales and cost data

🌍 OutsourcingExternal Compliance Audits

Ensures food safety with periodic third-party checks

⚡ Recommendation

⚡ Augment role

AI can streamline admin tasks but not replace creative leadership

Microsoft Copilot & M365

Power Automate

Automate rota and inventory workflows

Copilot for Excel

Analyse GP%, costs, and sales trends

Microsoft Teams

Coordinate staff training and kitchen communication

Key Skills

Food ProductionExpertMenu DevelopmentAdvancedHealth and SafetyAdvancedQuality Control AnalysisAdvancedTraining and DevelopmentAdvancedTeamworkAdvancedTime ManagementAdvancedStakeholder ManagementIntermediateBudget ManagementIntermediateAttention to DetailAdvancedReport WritingIntermediateHACCP ComplianceExpert

Knowledge Areas

Food ProductionProduction and ProcessingHealth and Safety ProceduresBudgeting and Resource ManagementClient Service and Relationship ManagementAdministration and ManagementReporting and Documentation

O*NET Competency Skills

CoordinationMonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingTime ManagementCritical ThinkingService OrientationActive ListeningInstructingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingLearning Strategies