At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create amazing dishes, and inspire your team every day.
- Company: Join Banana Tree, where we serve experiences inspired by Southeast Asia.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 50% employee discount, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a fun team with celebrations, rewards, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape a culture, grow a business, and take your culinary career to new heights.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for food and hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Lead the Adventure – Become a Head Chef at Banana Tree.
At Banana Tree, we don’t just serve food—we serve up experiences inspired by the vibrant streets and flavours of Southeast Asia. If you’re a natural leader with a passion for hospitality and a hunger for adventure, this is your moment. As Head Chef, you’ll be the heartbeat of the restaurant—guiding your team, delighting guests, and bringing the spirit of Borneo, Malaysia, and beyond to life every single day. From the buzz of a busy service to the joy of a perfectly plated Laksa, you’ll ensure every detail reflects our bold, energetic brand. This isn’t just a leadership role—it’s your opportunity to shape a culture, grow a business, and take your career somewhere extraordinary. At Banana Tree, our food takes you places. As Head Chef, you’ll lead the way.
Why Join Banana Tree?
- A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and believe our differences make us stronger. Whoever you are, if you bring enthusiasm and a great work ethic, there’s a place for you in our kitchen!
- 50% Employee Discount – Enjoy discounts across Big Table Group brands, plus 25% off for friends & family.
- Flexible Working – Negotiable contracts to suit your lifestyle.
- Referral Bonus – Get rewarded for bringing great people on board!
- Career Growth – Fully funded Production Chef Level 2 apprenticeships and development programs.
- Wellbeing & Support – Our We Care program includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, counselling, fitness & diet plans.
- Perks & Rewards – Access wages before payday, salary finance support, discounted gym memberships, and savings on theme parks, shopping, and entertainment.
- Team Celebrations – Competitions, team parties, and even a chance to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers.
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Make the most of tax-efficient savings on National Insurance, pension contributions, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
What You’ll Do as a Head Chef:
- Work closely with the management team to achieve restaurant goals.
- Lead the guest experience by ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and kitchen hygiene.
- Create a fun, motivating team environment, with a focus on developing and nurturing talent.
- Be commercially minded—analysing profit & loss accounts to make strong financial decisions and drive efficiency.
Who We’re Looking For:
At Banana Tree, we don’t just look for experience—we look for leaders. If you’re a strong communicator, passionate about food and developing people and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you. At Banana Tree, everyone is welcome. We are committed to creating a workplace where you can be yourself and thrive. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know—we’re happy to help. Apply now and bring your leadership to the Banana Tree Italia kitchen!
Head Chef employer: Bananatree
At Banana Tree, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where individuality is celebrated and every team member plays a vital role in creating unforgettable dining experiences. As a Head Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also benefit from generous perks such as a 50% employee discount, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive wellbeing support, all while enjoying opportunities for career growth through fully funded development programmes. Join us in bringing the flavours of Southeast Asia to life and take your culinary career to extraordinary heights in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bananatree. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bananatree
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bananatree directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bananatree and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bananatree
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
