Head Chef in Kent

Head Chef in Kent

Kent Full-Time 45000 - 45000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Balfour Hospitality

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create seasonal British dishes with estate wines.
  • Company: Balfour Winery, a welcoming pub rooted in English wine and British cooking.
  • Benefits: Up to ÂŁ45,000 salary, private health care, 35% discount on food and drinks.
  • Other info: Flexible hours and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in a vibrant culinary environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a senior chef role and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.

Part of Balfour Winery and set in the nearby village of Goudhurst, The Winemaker’s Pub is our traditional local with wine at its heart. Rooted in English wine, British cooking and a strong sense of home, it sits alongside The Winemakers’ Kitchen and the Cellar Door as one of three ways to experience Balfour across the estate. This is English wine in its most natural setting: a welcoming, generous pub where guests can return time and again for seasonal British dishes, estate-only wines by the glass, and a relaxed overnight stay in one of four boutique bedrooms. Homely, informal and quietly elevated, The Winemaker’s Pub brings the vineyard into everyday life. This is a place for good food, good wine and good company without pretention.

As Head Chef you are the leader and face of your kitchen from the day to day running, to managing a happy team; it’s all about leading your kitchen every day. Our kitchens are busy places so as Head Chef a level head, great organisation, delivering every time, with a smile, is the key to success.

We can offer you:

  • Up to ÂŁ45,000 per annum plus TRONC
  • Comprehensive private health care insurance through Vitality
  • 35% discount on all drinks, food and accommodation across every Balfour site and Balfour Winery
  • Flexible hours to suit you and your work/life balance
  • Accredited members of “Wellbeing Promise”, meaning we are an employer who really does care!

We're looking for our head chefs to:

  • Have held a senior chef position in a premium pub or restaurant
  • Care about using fresh and seasonal produce
  • Motivate their team, leading by example
  • Be organised
  • Know their kitchen numbers
  • Have excellent knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and Food Safety

In this role we need someone with previous experience at management level in a premium hospitality business.

Head Chef in Kent employer: Balfour Hospitality

Balfour Winery offers an exceptional working environment for the Head Chef role, situated in the picturesque village of Goudhurst. With a focus on seasonal British cuisine and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide comprehensive health care, flexible hours, and generous discounts across our estate. Join a supportive team where your leadership will shine, and enjoy the unique opportunity to create memorable dining experiences in a welcoming, community-focused pub setting.
Balfour Hospitality

Contact Detail:

Balfour Hospitality Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Kent

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get chatting with fellow chefs and industry folks at local events or online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up dinner or cooking demo to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! If you’ve got your eye on The Winemaker’s Pub, drop them a message expressing your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference in landing that interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep your online presence fresh! Update your social media profiles with your latest culinary creations and experiences. Employers love to see a chef who’s passionate and engaged with their craft.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Kent

Leadership
Team Management
Organisation Skills
Knowledge of HACCP
Knowledge of COSHH
Food Safety
Experience in Premium Hospitality
Menu Planning
Creativity in Cooking
Ability to Use Fresh and Seasonal Produce
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Customer Service Orientation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences with seasonal British dishes and how you connect with the ethos of The Winemaker’s Pub. We want to see your personality and passion!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your management experience. Talk about how you've motivated your team in the past and any successful kitchen operations you've overseen. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others!

Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: In a busy kitchen, organisation is key! Make sure to mention your ability to keep things running smoothly and your knowledge of kitchen numbers. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their attention to detail and efficiency in their applications.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our team at Balfour Winery!

How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Hospitality

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes that The Winemaker’s Pub serves. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate seasonal British produce into the menu and share your ideas for new dishes that align with their ethos.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, you’ll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve motivated your team in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve resolved conflicts or improved team morale, and be ready to share these stories.

✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills

The kitchen can get hectic, so it’s crucial to show that you can keep things running smoothly. Discuss your strategies for managing kitchen operations, from inventory control to staff scheduling. Highlight any systems you’ve implemented to improve efficiency.

✨Be Prepared to Talk Numbers

Understanding kitchen numbers is key for this role. Brush up on your knowledge of food costs, profit margins, and waste management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in the past and how you plan to ensure profitability at The Winemaker’s Pub.

Head Chef in Kent
Balfour Hospitality
Location: Kent

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