At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create mouth-watering burger menus.
- Company: Join the award-winning Black Bear Burger, known for quality and flavour.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, 28 days holiday, and exciting staff perks.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and fun team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing brand and make your mark in the burger scene.
- Qualifications: Previous head chef experience and a passion for culinary excellence.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Black Bear Burger is not your typical burger joint – our ethos is ‘simple, done well’ – we don’t mess around with gimmicks. We use the best beef we can get our hands on and everything in our burgers is there to enhance the flavour of that beef! We've built a huge following of fans (both in person and online) and get daily burger pilgrims travelling from across the country to try our food. We've featured on Top Jaws best burger in London, Bloggers choice at the 2024 National Burger Awards and recently won Best burger at the 2025 National Burger Awards. As a company we currently have 9 sites with more planned on the horizon. We're on a really great journey, and we're looking to bring pro‑active, dynamic and career driven people on board to grow with us on that journey.
THE ROLE
As Head Chef, you'll be working in leading your team from the front, drawing on previous head chef and management experience. We want to bring in someone who is going to be proud of what we do, as we're continually working hard to be top of our game in the competitive burger market.
Key Responsibilities For The Role Are
- Running the service element of the kitchen (cooking standards, prep levels, managing the team)
- Hygiene and Cleanliness levels + Health and Safety Standards (Due Diligence, Record Keeping, overall compliance.)
- Stock Management (Ordering, minimising wastage, staying on top of rotation)
- Management of the team (development and training, rotas, recruitment, maintaining great team culture)
- Menu Development with the group head chef, designing specials
- Systems: Food Alert (Due Diligence), Supy (ordering and stock), Planday (rotas), AllGravy (training and development), VitaMojo (tills)
Perks
- Competitive share of service charge and tips
- 28 days holiday
- Employee referral scheme (refer someone in and get £200)
- Friends and Family Discount
- Career Progression planning
- Free staff meals + Swaps with other exciting businesses
- Top Staff Parties
- Management Meals out
The role is Salary and based on 48h/wk, made up from £34k basic, £9+ tronc, (£4k KPI bonus, 2.6k Deliveroo bonus, if targets are hit)
Head Chef employer: Black Bear
At Black Bear Burger, we pride ourselves on being more than just a burger joint; we are a community of passionate individuals dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and flavour. As a Head Chef, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values your expertise and offers ample opportunities for career progression, all while enjoying competitive benefits such as a share of service charge, generous holiday allowance, and exciting staff events. Join us in our journey to redefine the burger experience and be part of a team that celebrates culinary excellence and camaraderie.
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 Black Bear. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Black Bear
Don't be shy about reaching out to Black Bear 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 Black Bear 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 Black Bear
✨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!
