Head Chef

Head Chef

Newquay Full-Time 35000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead our kitchen team to create amazing dining experiences at Fistral Beach.
  • Company: Join a Top 25 Best Hospitality Company known for making both guests and staff smile.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 50% off meals, weekly tips, 28 days holiday, and more perks!
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive, diverse team that values your growth and creativity.
  • Qualifications: Experience in restaurants or pubs with a passion for guest satisfaction and team leadership.
  • Other info: Check out 'Life at Steins' to see what working here is really like!

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.

Head Chef / Kitchen Manager – Fistral

A New Chapter

Fistral is entering an exciting new era as we evolve into a more drinks-led, social, beach-bar inspired destination.

To support this next phase, we’re reshaping our leadership team across both Kitchen and Front of House, and we’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to help bring this new vision to life.

If you thrive in fast-paced, vibrant environments, love creating memorable guest experiences, and are passionate about developing teams, we’d love to hear from you.

As Head Chef / Kitchen Manager, you will lead the kitchen operation, setting the standard for food quality, pace, consistency, and team culture. You’ll play a key role in shaping menus, supporting the venue’s new social dining style, and working closely with Front of House to deliver an outstanding guest experience.

You’ll be a visible, hands-on leader who inspires your brigade, drives performance, and ensures the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and commercially.

What you’ll be doing

  • Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing kitchen team
  • Deliver consistent, high-quality food aligned to Fistral’s new concept
  • Play an active role in menu development, specials, and seasonal dishes
  • Control food margins, labour costs, and kitchen budgets
  • Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and HACCP
  • Recruit, train, and retain talented chefs
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional kitchen culture
  • Work collaboratively with the General Manager and FOH leadership team
  • Maintain strong supplier relationships and ordering processes
  • Drive continuous improvement across standards, systems, and service
  • What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Kitchen Leader in a quality-led hospitality business
  • A genuine passion for food, drink, and guest experience
  • Strong leadership and people-development skills
  • Commercially minded with experience managing GP, labour, and performance
  • Excellent communication and organisational ability
  • Calm, confident, and structured under pressure
  • A hands-on leader who leads from the front
  • Commitment to building inclusive, engaged, and high-performing teams
  • Excited by change and the opportunity to shape a new chapter for the venue
  • What you’ll get

  • The opportunity to influence a growing and evolving brand
  • Creative input into menus, drinks, events, and guest experience
  • Support from ambitious board directors and senior leadership
  • Competitive salary plus progression pathway
  • Development opportunities within Rick Stein Restaurants
  • A chance to be part of an iconic coastal business entering an exciting new phase
  • If you’re ready to take the lead in a people-focused, quality-driven restaurant and make a real impact, apply now and join Rick Stein Restaurants .

    Rick Stein Fistral is casual and laid-back serving Rick’s famous fish & chips as well as Indian takeaway with dishes inspired by Rick’s travels. Perfectly positioned overlooking fistral beach and bustling with hungry visitors.

    Head Chef employer: Rick Stein

    Join our vibrant team at Fistral Beach, where we pride ourselves on being in the 'cheering up industry' and creating memorable experiences for both guests and staff. As a Top 25 Best Hospitality Company to Work For, we offer a supportive work culture, excellent employee benefits including generous discounts, tips, and wellbeing support, as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth in a stunning coastal location.
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    Contact Detail:

    Rick Stein Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head Chef

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's ethos and values. Since they focus on making guests smile through great food and experiences, think about how you can align your leadership style and culinary vision with this mission.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Engage with their social media channels, especially 'Life at Steins'. This will give you insights into their team culture and help you understand what makes them a top employer, which you can reference in your discussions.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and training kitchen teams. They value inspiring leadership, so think of specific examples where you've successfully motivated your team to improve and innovate.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Research seasonal menu trends and be ready to share your ideas for new dishes. Collaborating with their Group Executive Chef and Rick & Jack Stein is key, so showcasing your creativity and knowledge of current culinary trends will set you apart.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

    Leadership Skills
    Team Development
    Menu Development
    Financial Management
    Quality Control
    Creativity in Cooking
    Communication Skills
    Time Management
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Customer Service Orientation
    Adaptability
    Knowledge of Food Safety Regulations
    Inventory Management
    Event Planning

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leading kitchen teams and any specific achievements in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to inspire and develop staff, as well as your understanding of guest needs.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the hospitality industry and your commitment to making guests smile. Mention your leadership style and how you plan to contribute to the restaurant's success at Fistral Beach.

    Showcase Your Culinary Skills: If possible, include examples of seasonal menus you've developed or special events you've managed. This will demonstrate your creativity and ability to deliver quality experiences for guests.

    Highlight Your Team Development Experience: Discuss any training or mentoring you've provided to kitchen staff in your previous roles. This is crucial for the Head Chef position, as developing and inspiring the team is a key responsibility.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Rick Stein

    ✨Show Your Passion for Food

    As a Head Chef, your love for food and cooking should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and what inspires you in the kitchen. This will help demonstrate your commitment to the role and the restaurant's ethos of making people smile with great food.

    ✨Highlight Leadership Experience

    Since you'll be leading a kitchen team, it's crucial to showcase your leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've developed and inspired your team in previous roles. Discuss any training initiatives you've implemented and how you've fostered a positive working environment.

    ✨Understand the Restaurant's Vision

    Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's mission and values before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs, especially regarding guest satisfaction and team support. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

    ✨Prepare for Menu Development Questions

    Expect questions about menu creation and seasonal dishes. Think about how you would approach developing new menus that reflect the restaurant's style while also considering guest preferences. Being able to articulate your ideas will demonstrate your creativity and strategic thinking.

    Head Chef
    Rick Stein
    Location: Newquay
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