At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team, create menus, and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Black Rock Restaurants, a top independent restaurant group in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy free food on shift, 50% discounts, flexible hours, and team rewards.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team across multiple exciting venues.
- Why this job: Inspire through food in a vibrant beachfront setting with excellent career progression.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium dining, strong leadership, and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Head Chef - Burnt Orange, Brighton
Lead one of Brighton’s most exciting kitchens.
We’re searching for a talented, ambitious Head Chef to take the reins at Burnt Orange - a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar just moments from Brighton seafront, hidden behind the iconic Lanes.
Built around bold flavours, live-fire cooking, exceptional drinks, and an atmosphere that effortlessly shifts from laid-back lunches to lively late nights, Burnt Orange has become one of the city’s most talked-about dining destinations.
Our menu celebrates vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates, cooked over fire and designed to bring people together. Think incredible ingredients, smoky flavours, generous hospitality, and dishes that create a buzz around every table.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a passionate kitchen team in a fast-paced, high-profile restaurant where creativity, quality, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.
The Role
As Head Chef, you'll be the driving force behind the kitchen, leading from the front and setting the standard every day. You'll inspire and develop your team, champion consistency and quality, and ensure every guest experiences the very best of Burnt Orange.
We're looking for someone who thrives in a busy service, loves building strong teams, and is passionate about delivering food that guests can't wait to come back for.
We're Looking For Someone With
- Proven experience leading a high-volume, fresh-food kitchen
- A natural ability to motivate, coach, and develop teams
- A passion for bold, flavour-driven food
- Strong organisational skills and composure under pressure
- Exceptional standards of food quality and presentation
- Excellent knowledge of kitchen compliance, food safety, and Health & Safety
- Full eligibility to work in the UK
Why Join Burnt Orange?
- Be part of one of Brighton's most respected independent restaurant groups
- Lead a talented and ambitious kitchen team
- Free food and drinks while on shift
- Team rewards, incentives, socials, and trips
- 50% discount across all Black Rock Restaurants venues
- Your birthday off, every year
- Extra holiday with length of service
- Refer-a-Friend bonus schemeCycle-to-work scheme
- Genuine opportunities for growth and development within the group
About Black Rock Restaurants
Burnt Orange is part of Black Rock Restaurants, the team behind some of Brighton's best-loved hospitality venues. We're passionate about creating memorable experiences, developing great people, and building restaurants that guests return to again and again.
If you're an experienced Head Chef ready for your next challenge - or a strong Senior Sous Chef looking to step into a leadership role - we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help shape the next chapter of one of Brighton's busiest and most exciting restaurants.
Head Chef in Brighton employer: Black Rock Restaurants
At Black Rock Restaurants, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that celebrates creativity and culinary excellence. As the Head Chef at Burnt Orange in Brighton, you will not only lead a passionate team but also enjoy competitive pay, team incentives, and opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant neighbourhood setting. Join us to be part of an ambitious team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences with a focus on quality and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your passion for food and fire-led cooking during any conversations or interviews. Share specific examples of how you've used bold flavours in your previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with what The Salt Room is looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's menu and ethos before applying. Being able to discuss their approach to seasonality and premium produce will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to their culinary philosophy.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the local hospitality scene in Brighton. Attend industry events or connect with other chefs and restaurant professionals who may have insights about Black Rock Restaurants and can provide valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you handle pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Highlighting your experience in managing teams and fostering collaboration will resonate well with the values of Black Rock Restaurants.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Head Chef at Black Rock Restaurants. Familiarise yourself with their focus on seasonality, premium produce, and fire-led cooking to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in premium dining and any leadership roles you've held. Mention specific achievements that showcase your organisational skills and ability to thrive under pressure.
Showcase Your Passion:Express your love for food and creativity in your application. Share any unique culinary experiences or innovations you've introduced in previous roles to demonstrate your passion for the industry.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Craft a personalised cover letter that reflects your understanding of Black Rock Restaurants' values and culture. Mention why you want to join their team and how you can contribute to their success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Black Rock Restaurants
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Head Chef, your love for food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite ingredients, and how you incorporate seasonality into your dishes. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the restaurant's ethos.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Emphasise your experience in leading a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've managed staff, resolved conflicts, and fostered a collaborative environment. This is crucial for a role that requires strong organisational and people skills.
✨Discuss Menu Creation
Be ready to talk about your approach to menu creation. Discuss how you balance creativity with customer preferences and seasonal produce. You might even want to suggest a few ideas that align with the restaurant's focus on bold flavours and fire-led cooking.
✨Prepare for Pressure Scenarios
Given the fast-paced nature of the restaurant industry, be prepared to discuss how you handle pressure. Share examples of high-stress situations you've navigated successfully, showcasing your cool head and problem-solving abilities.
