At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in a busy Asian restaurant, focusing on fresh, handmade dishes.
- Company: Join a renowned restaurant group known for its operational excellence and loyal customer base.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, quarterly tronc, and a supportive work-life balance with no late nights.
- Why this job: This is a unique chance to lead a stable team in a prime location with a consistent menu.
- Qualifications: Strong background in high-volume kitchens, excellent knife skills, and proven health & safety knowledge required.
- Other info: Training provided at a sister site for smooth onboarding; a calm and structured leadership style is essential.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 54600 £ per year.
Lead a passionate team at a thriving Asian restaurant in Exeter’s heart – where tradition meets consistency.
Job Role: Head Chef – Volume and Fresh Food Specialist
Cuisine: Authentic East Asian Cuisine
Team Size: 6 BOH on busy days
Location: Exeter city centre (limited parking)
We’re partnering with a high-volume restaurant renowned for its fresh, handmade dishes and loyal customer base. This is a rare chance for a Head Chef to lead a stable team in a prime location, with a focus on operational excellence and consistency.
The Restaurant:
- £32K weekly sales (dine-in + takeaway)
- Fixed menu with occasional specials (minimal creative input required)
- All prep done in-house – knife skills essential
- Hands-on role – you’ll run sections (fry/wok, broth, salads) alongside your team
The Ideal Head Chef:
- Strong background in high-volume kitchens
- Excellent knife skills and prep management
- Proven health & safety/admin skills (orders, rotas, compliance)
- Leadership style: hands-on, calm, and structured
- Happy with a consistent menu (no frequent development)
Why Apply?
- £39K base + £6K tronc (paid quarterly)
- Training at sister site for smooth onboarding
- Work-life balance – no late-night finishes
- Long-tenured team (supportive environment)
Sound like you? APPLY TODAY! Send your CV to Olly@COREcruitment.com
Contact Detail:
COREcruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Branded Restaurant Group | £39K + £6K Tronc | Exeter City Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific cuisine offered at the restaurant. Since this role focuses on authentic East Asian cuisine, having a solid understanding of the dishes and cooking techniques will help you stand out during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens when networking or speaking with potential employers. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed busy service periods while maintaining quality and consistency.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership style by discussing how you foster a calm and structured environment in the kitchen. Be prepared to share anecdotes that showcase your ability to lead a team effectively under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role requires strong knife skills, consider showcasing these in a practical setting, such as a cooking demonstration or a trial shift. This hands-on approach can leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Branded Restaurant Group | £39K + £6K Tronc | Exeter City Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Head Chef in a high-volume kitchen. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as knife skills and operational excellence.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in high-volume kitchens and your leadership style. Emphasise your knife skills, health and safety knowledge, and any previous roles where you managed a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for authentic East Asian cuisine and your ability to lead a team. Mention your hands-on approach and how you can contribute to maintaining operational excellence in the restaurant.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment
✨Showcase Your Knife Skills
Since knife skills are essential for this role, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring up specific examples from your past experiences where your skills made a difference in the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
The ideal candidate should have a calm and structured leadership style. Be ready to discuss how you manage your team during busy periods and how you maintain operational excellence.
✨Discuss Health & Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in a high-volume kitchen, be prepared to talk about your experience with compliance, orders, and rotas. Highlight any relevant certifications or training you've completed.
✨Express Enthusiasm for Consistency
This role focuses on a consistent menu with minimal creative input. Make sure to convey your understanding of this aspect and how you can maintain quality and consistency while leading the team.