Head Chef - Steakhouse & Smokehouse

We are looking for an experienced, hands\-on **Head Chef** to lead the kitchen at our steakhouse and smokehouse restaurant. You should be passionate about premium meats, live\-fire cooking, and low\-and\-slow barbecue, with the leadership skills to build a strong team and deliver consistently excellent food. **The Role** You will take ownership of kitchen operations, menu development, food quality, and cost control. From perfectly cooked steaks to tender smoked meats, you will set the standards and lead the team through preparation and service. **Key Responsibilities** * Lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and timely service. * Develop and refine our steakhouse and smokehouse menu, including steaks, smoked meats, sides, sauces, and specials. * Manage meat selection, butchery, trimming, portioning, seasoning, smoking, and grilling. * Plan smoking and preparation schedules to meet demand while maintaining quality and minimizing waste. * Train and supervise the kitchen team, building strong skills, accountability, and teamwork. * Manage food costs, stock levels, purchasing, supplier relationships, and kitchen staffing schedules. * Establish and maintain clear recipes, portion sizes, cooking standards, and kitchen procedures. * Ensure food safety, hygiene, allergen controls, and safe operation of kitchen equipment. * Work closely with restaurant management and the front\-of\-house team to deliver a great guest experience. **What We’re Looking For** * Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Senior Sous Chef ready to step into a leadership role. * Strong experience in a steakhouse, smokehouse, barbecue restaurant, or similar meat\-focused kitchen. * Confident knowledge of beef cuts, meat quality, steak temperatures, and resting techniques. * Practical experience with smokers, wood or charcoal cooking, and low\-and\-slow barbecue. * A track record of leading teams and maintaining standards during busy service. * Strong understanding of food costing, inventory control, purchasing, and waste reduction. * Excellent organization, communication, and problem\-solving skills. * Relevant food safety training or certification. * Availability to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Work Location: In person