At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire culinary teams across multiple locations while ensuring exceptional food quality.
- Company: Join Big Easy, a renowned brand known for authentic American BBQ and vibrant dining experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package with opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible role with travel opportunities and a chance to mentor future culinary leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culinary innovation and guest experiences in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume restaurants and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
BIG EASY is one of the UK's most recognised hospitality brands, known for authentic American BBQ, premium seafood, vibrant restaurants and exceptional guest experiences. We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Executive Head Chef to lead our culinary operation and support our restaurants across multiple locations. This is a senior leadership role for a passionate food professional who combines culinary excellence with strong business acumen, people leadership and operational expertise. You will play a key role in maintaining exceptional standards, developing kitchen teams and driving performance across the business.
The Role
- You will oversee kitchen operations across multiple sites, ensuring consistency, quality, profitability and compliance throughout the business.
- You will work closely with Head Chefs, General Managers and senior leadership to drive performance, support business growth and maintain the highest culinary standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop and inspire Head Chefs and kitchen management teams across multiple locations.
- Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation across all restaurants.
- Drive food cost, labour cost and productivity performance.
- Support operational projects, menu development and business growth initiatives.
- Build strong succession plans and develop future culinary talent.
- Conduct regular site visits, coaching sessions and operational audits.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health and safety and company standards.
- Work collaboratively with Operations, Finance, Marketing and People teams to achieve business objectives.
- Analyse kitchen performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation while protecting the integrity of the Big Easy brand.
About You
- Proven experience as an Executive Head Chef, Executive Chef, Group Head Chef or Senior Multi‑Site Head Chef.
- Strong background in high‑volume restaurants, premium casual dining, BBQ, grill, smokehouse, steakhouse or seafood operations.
- Experience leading multiple kitchens and large culinary teams.
- Strong commercial awareness with a solid understanding of food cost control, labour management and P&L performance.
- Experience implementing standards, training programmes and operational improvements.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching and people development skills.
- Strong organisational, planning and project management skills.
- Flexible and willing to travel between locations as required.
- Passion for hospitality, innovation and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Why Join Big Easy?
- Lead the culinary direction of an established hospitality brand.
- Work directly with senior leadership and influence business performance.
- Shape menus, standards, training and food innovation across multiple locations.
- Develop and mentor future culinary leaders.
- Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
- Genuine opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing business.
If you are an ambitious culinary leader looking for your next challenge within a dynamic hospitality business, we would love to hear from you.
Executive Head Chef employer: Big easy restaurants
Big Easy is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture and a genuine opportunity for culinary professionals to lead and innovate within a well-established hospitality brand. With competitive salaries, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, employees are supported in their growth and development while enjoying the thrill of shaping menus and standards across multiple locations. Join us to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment where your passion for food and leadership can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive 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 Big easy restaurants. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Big easy restaurants
Don't be shy about reaching out to Big easy restaurants 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 Executive 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 Big easy restaurants 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 Big easy restaurants
✨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!
