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
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Lead daily service for a 64-cover café, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation
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Create and execute diverse menus for show days, clinics, and private equestrian events
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Deliver high-volume “rider fuel” during competitions alongside more refined plated options
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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
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Full responsibility for menu costing and GP performance
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Monitor labour percentages and manage rotas in line with demand
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Conduct regular stock takes and manage supplier relationships, factoring in rural logistics
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Minimise waste and maximise profitability, particularly during quieter midweek periods
Kitchen Leadership & Compliance
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Lead, train, and mentor a small kitchen team
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Scale staffing appropriately for busy event weekends
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Maintain Food Hygiene rating and oversee all Health & Safety documentation
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Ensure smooth systems, prep planning, and operational readiness for event days
The Ideal Candidate
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Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a café, bistro, or event-led environment
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Commercially aware, with solid understanding of GP%, labour control, and costings
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Organised and forward-thinking — using quieter days for prep, admin, and planning
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Comfortable working independently during quieter shifts and leading from the front during high-volume service
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Creative and motivated to grow the theme night and events offering
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Level 3 Food Hygiene certified
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Full UK Driving Licence and own transport (essential due to rural location)
What’s on Offer
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Competitive salary based on experience
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Full autonomy to shape menus and grow the events calendar
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A unique rural working environment with a loyal, engaged community
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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