Head Chef

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future. 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef to join our Food & Beverage team at The Falkirk Wheel . You will be managing the kitchen team in its entirety, inclusive of all Health & Safety, financial ownership, welfare, training, growth and development. Principally providing our full menu, inclusive of hot offer, Grab and Go, wood fired pizza and events to the highest quality.

The role includes supporting the food offer at our sister destination; The Caledonian Canal Centre.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, and with a starting salary of £33,833 (Band D) plus variable working allowance of 11.25%.  Working hours are typically between 7am and 5pm on a 4 on 2 off rota (later start and earlier finish in winter due to seasonal variance) averaging 37 hours per week with flexibility required due to business demands and occasional evening shifts due to events.

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus 10 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

Primary responsibilities of the role:

• Manage daily running of the kitchen and personnel who report to the Head Chef – training, development and regular 1:1’s (along with PRD and appraisals) to ensure all high standards are kept
• Daily preparation of all food offerings, standard daily menu and specials, inclusive of ‘Grab & Go’, external catering outlets and meeting and event catering
• Managing the Sous Chef and all kitchen staff to ensure the smooth running of the Falkirk Wheel F&B offer, inclusive of events
• Manage all Health & Safety aspects of the kitchen and associated areas
• Manage all food & support of beverage purchases, storage and stocktake
• Manage, present and deliver menu planning and managing COS in line with budgets
• Manage all financial elements of the kitchen budgets inclusive of forecasting and utilising back of house and financial applications
• Manage facilities within the kitchen with support of property maintenance
• Support the CCC Chef with monthly check ins and quarterly visits
• Support with marketing and promotions

Qualifications and knowledge required:

• Educated in Catering, a degree or NVQ equivalent
• Previous experience working in a similar role for a minimum of 3 years, with supporting qualifications and awards/certification
• Good communication and evidence of leading a team
• Highly organised with excellent planning
• Able to work under pressure in a high-paced environment
• A full driving license

Skills and experience required:

• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Experience in similar role
• A real enjoyment for hospitality and delivery of 5 star products 

Qualities & abilities required:

• A confident, friendly, helpful and engaging nature 
• The ability to deliver a professional service  
• The drive to work across various disciplines  
• Good time management and organisational skills 
• The ability to work well under pressure 
• A sense of own initiative with the ability to work effectively as part of a team 
• A flexible approach to the role 

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received