Head Chef – Olive Tree Bakery (Middle Eastern-Inspired Café & Bakery)

About Us

Olive Tree Bakery is a fast-growing café and bakery inspired by the rich flavours of the Middle East. We specialise in handcrafted baked goods, vibrant breakfast dishes, and specialty coffee, all served in a warm and welcoming environment. Our vision is to become the leader in fast-casual, affordable breakfasts, offering a menu that blends tradition with modern creativity—think smashed avocado with beetroot labneh and za’atar, freshly baked manoush, and fragrant orange blossom pastries.

As we expand, we are looking for a Head Chef who shares our passion for Middle Eastern flavours and artisanal baking to lead our kitchen and help shape the future of Olive Tree Bakery.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Head Chef to oversee our kitchen operations, ensuring the highest quality in both traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. This is a full-time leadership role within our growing hospitality business.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the kitchen team, overseeing food preparation, quality control, and service efficiency.

• Develop and refine our menu, crafting unique Middle Eastern-inspired baked goods, breakfast, and brunch dishes.

• Ensure consistency in food quality, taste, and presentation across all menu items.

• Manage kitchen operations, including stock control, supplier relations, and food cost management.

• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.

• Maintain a clean and organised kitchen that meets all health and safety regulations.

• Collaborate with management to drive innovation, enhance customer experience, and contribute to business growth.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or senior culinary role in a bakery, café, or restaurant.

• Strong knowledge of Middle Eastern cuisine and baking techniques (or a willingness to learn and experiment).

• Proven leadership skills, with experience managing kitchen teams and ensuring high operational standards.

• Passion for creativity and innovation, with the ability to develop unique flavour combinations and dishes.

• Understanding of food safety regulations and industry best practices.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and consistency.

What We Offer

At Olive Tree Bakery, we believe in creating a positive and rewarding workplace. We offer:

• Competitive salary with opportunities for career growth.

• Creative freedom to shape our menu and introduce new ideas.

• A supportive team culture, where your expertise and input are valued.

• Work-life balance initiatives, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable work environment.

• Discounts on our delicious food and coffee to enjoy on and off shift.

If you are a passionate chef looking to bring Middle Eastern flavours to life in a fresh and modern way, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of Olive Tree Bakery’s exciting journey!