About Qima Café

Qima Café is part of Origins 1450, a hospitality group redefining coffee and dining through craft, quality, and vertical integration across the entire coffee value chain. Our cafés bring together world-class coffee with a refined brunch, patisserie, and plated dessert offering.We are seeking a Head Chef to take ownership of kitchen operations at our café sites. Sitting above the Lead Chef, this role ensures that kitchens are fully prepared, disciplined, and consistently delivering food to Qimas high standards of speed, quality, and presentation. This is a pivotal leadership role that combines operational excellence, team management, and commercial awareness.Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team ManagementLead, mentor, and develop kitchen teams, ensuring high performance and discipline.

Oversee Lead Chefs and kitchen brigades, enforcing standards across shifts.

Build a culture of urgency, accountability, and pride in craft.

Operational ExcellenceTake full ownership of kitchen service readiness: par levels, mise en place, and stations set before opening.

Manage prep levels and workflows to ensure service speed (target 1012 minutes) and consistency.

Maintain strict hygiene, food safety, and compliance standards.

Drive efficiency and reduce waste without compromising quality.

Menu and Product DeliveryExecute Qima Cafés brunch and plated dessert menus to exacting standards.

Integrate CPU-supplied products seamlessly into service.

Collaborate with the Head Pastry Chef and CPU team on seasonal dishes and specials.

Commercial and Financial AccountabilityManage food cost, labour cost, and kitchen profitability.

Plan rotas effectively to balance labour efficiency with service requirements.

Monitor kitchen KPIs and implement continuous improvements.

Guest ExperienceWork closely with FOH to ensure seamless service.

Ensure dishes leaving the pass are consistent, timely, and beautifully presented.

Take ownership of kitchen-side factors affecting guest satisfaction.

Requirements

Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in premium café, restaurant, or high-quality brunch concepts.

Strong leadership and team management skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage kitchens with a focus on speed, consistency, and cost control.

Strong organisational and rota management skills.

Commercial awareness and the ability to balance craft with profitability.

Passion for craft, innovation, and hospitality.

Ability to thrive in a fast-growing, multi-site business.

What We Offer

Base salary:

£40,000

£45,000

Bonus scheme:

Profit share and performance-linked bonuses, plus participation in service charge (tronc).

On-target earnings (OTE):

typically £52,000

£62,000 annually, depending on site performance and tronc levels.

The opportunity to shape and lead the kitchen culture of a growing, premium café brand.

Career growth opportunities as we expand our café footprint.

A collaborative, purpose-driven culture, combining craft, innovation, and hospitality excellence.

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