At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create amazing dishes in a vibrant restaurant.
- Company: Popular restaurant in Bournemouth known for great food and warm service.
- Benefits: £38,000 salary plus tips, supportive team, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Enjoy a balanced work-life with creative input and a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a mix of steady winter days and energetic summer service.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking a talented and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at a very popular restaurant in the heart of Bournemouth. Situated centrally in a stunning location, our client is a vibrant, high-volume restaurant known for great food, warm service, and an unbeatable setting. We are looking for a Head Chef who can bring passion, leadership, and consistency to our busy kitchen.
What You'll Do
- Lead, develop, and inspire the kitchen brigade
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring quality and consistency across all dishes
- Manage stock, suppliers, and GP targets effectively
- Maintain exceptional food safety and hygiene standards (including HACCP)
- Collaborate with management on menu development and seasonal ideas
- Support a positive, motivated team culture
Working Hours
- Daytime hours during the quieter winter months, offering a great work-life balance
- Longer, more varied hours in the peak summer season when the restaurant is at its busiest, with increased earning potential through higher tips
This rhythm makes it an ideal role for chefs who enjoy a balanced year with a mix of steady winter days and an energetic summer service.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef OR strong Sous Chef ready to step up
- Passion for fresh, well-presented, guest-focused food
- Experience in high-volume or fast-paced kitchens
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
- A commitment to high standards in both food quality and compliance
What We Offer
- £38,000 salary + tips
- A unique workplace
- Supportive management and a friendly team environment
- Seasonally influenced hours offering balance and variety
- Opportunities to shape menus and have real creative input
- Staff benefits & discounts
How to Apply
Press the apply button and a Blue Arrow consultant will be in touch to tell you all about the role. Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Head Chef - Bournemouth employer: Blue Arrow
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from the competition when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire and express your interest. A personal touch can go a long way in landing that dream Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and you’ll get all the info you need about the roles we have available.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for food and cooking shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating great dishes and leading a team in a busy kitchen.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef. Focus on your leadership skills and any achievements in high-volume kitchens that demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to outline your key skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get in touch with you about this exciting opportunity in Bournemouth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the restaurant's menu and any seasonal dishes they might be offering. This shows your genuine interest in the role and allows you to discuss how you can contribute creatively to their culinary offerings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you’ve inspired your brigade, managed conflicts, or improved team morale. This will demonstrate your capability to foster a positive kitchen culture.
✨Discuss Food Safety Knowledge
Be ready to talk about your experience with food safety and hygiene standards, including HACCP. Highlight specific practices you’ve implemented in previous roles to maintain high standards. This will reassure them that you prioritise safety and compliance in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle high-pressure situations, especially during peak service times. Think of scenarios where you had to remain calm and professional, and be prepared to explain your thought process and decision-making skills in those moments.