Zenith are recruiting for a Head Chef to work with our client, a private members' club, on a permanent basis in Aberdeen, UK.

THE ROLE

This is a full head chef role with significant creative input into the menu. You will design and develop the menu across lunch, dinner, private dining, and functions, working with the Chairman and in response to member preferences. Functions run to a set menu that you create. The service pattern reflects the rhythm of a members’ club: structured, with a defined ceiling of covers, and space to do the work to the standard it deserves.

Beyond the daily menu, the club runs a programme of themed dining events throughout the year. Some are built around culinary themes: an evening of classical French cooking, a Thai supper, a celebration of Scottish produce at its seasonal best. Others are tied to the wider Club events calendar, where the food becomes part of a broader experience. A murder mystery dinner, a magical evening, a celebration tied to the Club’s own traditions. These events are some of the most visible things the Club does, and the Head Chef is at the centre of them. If you are someone who finds that kind of creative brief energising rather than complicated, this role will suit you.

The Club operates a Wines of the Month programme. Each month we select wines across different styles for members to enjoy at the bar and at the table. There is an opportunity here to develop a food programme that sits alongside it, with dishes and menus that complement what is being poured. This is something we want to build with the right person.

The club are also introducing Saturday lunch service, and the Head Chef appointted will shape what that looks like from day one.

The kitchen is small and stable. You will lead it, not manage it from a distance. When a busy service comes in, you will be in it. When a private dinner needs to be exceptional, you are the reason it is.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are interested in two kinds of candidate.

If you are a sous chef, you will have come from a kitchen you are proud to name and trained under a chef whose standards you carry with you. You are ready to lead, to own a menu, and to take responsibility for a kitchen. You do not need to have done it before. You do need to be ready.

If you are a head chef, you have a clear track record of delivering food at a high standard and you are looking for a role where the focus is craft and quality. Experience in a private members’ club or fine dining environment is an advantage, though not a requirement.

In both cases, we are looking for someone who:

• Understands Scottish produce and wants to build genuine relationships with local and regional suppliers.
• Designs menus that are seasonal, properly costed, and interesting enough to bring members back the following week.
• Has a working knowledge of food and wine pairing, or a real interest in developing one.
• Leads a small team with calm authority, with consistency and standards rather than noise.
• Is comfortable engaging with members directly. Our members care about what they eat and appreciate a chef who does too.
• Holds food safety and allergen management to a high standard. HACCP compliance is not optional.

You must already be settled and working in the United Kingdom.

WHAT IS OFFERED

• Salary dependent on experience and track record and this will be discussed at interview.
• Two days off per week on a structured rota.
• Significant creative input into the menu.
• A Chairman who has committed to raising the standard of food at this Club and will back you to do it.
• A stable working environment, a membership that pays attention, and a kitchen with a defined and predictable scale.
• The chance to build something at a club with more than 170 years of history behind it and the next chapter still to write.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering note, quoting job reference JOB-6301.