Location: Docks Beers, Grimsby
Salary: £32,500 per annum
Annual Leave: 23 days plus bank holidays
Hours: Full-time (~45 hours), including evenings and weekends
Probation: 3 months
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Docks Beers is an independent brewery and taproom located in a converted church in Grimsby. We are known for high-quality craft beers and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
Sitting above our taproom is Docks Academy, a 350-capacity cultural hub hosting everything from touring rock bands to stand-up comedy and private weddings. Under new ownership since early 2025, we have ambitious growth plans for 2026. Food is a key element of this expansion, and we need a leader to help define and deliver our offering for the coming years.
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We are looking for a Head Chef/Kitchen Manager who is motivated to build a food operation that matches the reputation of our award-winning beer. This role requires a unique balance: delivering fast-casual, high-volume dishes for a busy taproom, while occasionally executing high-quality catering for Academy events.
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Operational Leadership: Manage the kitchen’s day-to-day operations, ensuring service speed and consistent quality during peak trading and event intervals.
Menu Innovation: Design and implement creative, seasonal menus that pair perfectly with our events and craft beers. You’ll play a key part in creating specials and evolving the Docks culinary identity.
Financial Management: Take full ownership of the kitchen budget. This includes managing supplier relationships, auditing stock levels, and hitting Gross Profit targets through smart procurement and execution.
People Management: Build and lead a skilled kitchen team, ensuring operational excellence through effective recruitment, proactive mentoring, and robust performance management.
Compliance & Safety: Maintain our 5-star hygiene rating. You will oversee all documentation, cleaning schedules, and act as the primary liaison for EHO inspections.
Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with Taproom and Academy management to ensure a unified guest experience, especially during large-scale events.
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Proven Kitchen Leadership: You have a solid track record in a Head Chef/Kitchen Manager or similar role, ideally within a fast-casual, independent environment.
Team Builder: You have the ability to recruit, train, and inspire a small, agile kitchen team. You lead by example—willing to jump on the line, assist with clean-downs, and maintain high morale under pressure.
Event Ready: You are comfortable managing a venue’s unique ebbs and flows. You can transition seamlessly from a steady taproom service to the high-pressure demands of a 350-capacity Academy event.
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Bold Creativity: A genuine passion for bold flavours and modern food trends. You are keen to collaborate on seasonal menus and specials that complement our award-winning beer range.
Operational Rigour: Exceptional organisational skills to manage prep, service, stock levels, and staffing. You ensure the kitchen is as clean and compliant as it is productive.
Quality Obsession: A commitment to absolute consistency. You ensure every dish meets Docks standards.
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Financial Accountability: Experience managing kitchen budgets, including cost control, ordering, and a waste minimisation mindset to protect margins without compromising quality.
Compliance First: A thorough understanding of food hygiene and safety standards, backed by relevant certifications (e.g., Level 3 Food Safety). You are confident managing documentation for EHO inspections.
Tech-Savvy: Comfortable using (or learning) digital ordering systems, inventory software, and kitchen display screens to keep the back-of-house running smoothly.
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Collaborative & Unified: You understand that the kitchen is part of a larger machine. You’ll work closely with the Taproom and Academy teams to deliver a seamless guest experience.
Adaptive Problem-Solver: You can adapt quickly to changes in demand, supply chain quirks, or the specific needs of a catered event.
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Competitive Salary: £32,500 per annum.
Work-Life Balance: 23 days holiday + Bank Holidays.
Creative Input: An opportunity to help shape the future of a growing independent brand.
Docks Perks: Staff discounts on beer, merch, events, team socials, and a pension scheme.
Growth: Real opportunities for career progression as our 2026 expansion plans roll out.
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To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re the right person to lead the Docks kitchen to: jobs@docksbeers.com
Closing Date: Wednesday, 11 March
NB: Successful candidates will be invited for an interview and a paid technical trial shift.
