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
We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Burnt Orange.
Burnt Orange is a neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar in the heart of Brighton, moments from the seafront and tucked just behind the Lanes. Built around bold, wood-fired cooking, expertly crafted drinks, and a social atmosphere that moves effortlessly from day to night, it’s become one of Brighton’s go-to spots for people who love to go out.
Our menu is centred around vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates cooked over fire. Big flavours, quality ingredients, smoky edges, and dishes designed to land in the middle of the table and get people talking.
As Head Chef, you’ll lead from the front – driving standards, developing your team, and delivering consistently brilliant food in a fast-paced, high-energy kitchen. You’ll thrive under pressure, lead with confidence, and care deeply about quality, flavour, and service.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience leading a busy fresh-food kitchen
- A confident and motivating people manager
- Passion for bold, flavour-led cooking
- Strong organisation and calmness under pressure
- High standards across food quality and presentation
- Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety and kitchen compliance
- Eligibility to work full-time in the UK
What You’ll Get in Return
- Competitive pay package
- Free food and drinks when working
- Team incentives, trips and rewards
- 50% discount across all Black Rock Restaurants
- Your birthday off – guaranteed
- Additional holiday entitlement with length of service
- Refer a Friend bonus scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
By joining Burnt Orange, you’ll become part of Black Rock Restaurants – one of Brighton’s leading independent restaurant groups, known for quality food, great hospitality, and ambitious teams. If you’re looking for a kitchen where the food is bold, the atmosphere matters, and no two services feel the same, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Brighton employer: Black Rock Restaurants
At Black Rock Restaurants, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK’s leading independent restaurant groups, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration. Located in the stunning beachfront setting of Brighton, our Head Chef role provides not only a competitive salary and generous benefits like free meals and flexible working patterns but also exceptional opportunities for professional growth within our established team. Join us to inspire through food and be part of a passionate community dedicated to excellence in hospitality.
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.
