Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Burnt Orange

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting bold, Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and managing a dynamic team.
  • Company: Burnt Orange, a trendy neighbourhood restaurant and late-night bar in Brighton.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, free food, team incentives, and 50% discount at all Black Rock Restaurants.
  • Other info: Enjoy additional holiday with service and guaranteed birthday off.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and create unforgettable dining experiences in a lively atmosphere.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen, strong leadership skills, and a passion for flavourful cooking.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Burnt Orange. This role is based in Brighton. 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 has 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 will lead from the front - driving standards, developing your team, and delivering consistently brilliant food in a fast-paced, high-energy kitchen. You will thrive under pressure, lead with confidence, and care deeply about quality, flavour, and service.

What we are 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 will 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 will 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 are looking for a kitchen where the food is bold, the atmosphere matters, and no two services feel the same, we would love to hear from you.

Head Chef employer: Burnt Orange

Burnt Orange is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates bold, flavour-led cooking and fosters a strong sense of community among its team. Located in the heart of Brighton, employees enjoy competitive pay, free meals during shifts, and unique perks like guaranteed time off for birthdays and additional holiday entitlement with service length. With a focus on personal growth and team development, Burnt Orange provides an exciting environment for culinary professionals to thrive and make their mark in a dynamic kitchen setting.

Burnt Orange

Contact Details:

Burnt Orange Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

Tip Number 1

Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before you apply, pop by Burnt Orange and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with the staff, taste the food, and get a feel for what they’re all about. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you’re genuinely interested.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Head Chef role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!

Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a signature dish that reflects your style and passion for bold, flavour-led cooking. Bring it along to your interview or share photos of your creations. It’s a great way to demonstrate your culinary flair!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t forget to highlight your experience leading busy kitchens and your passion for quality food!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership
Team Development
Fresh-Food Kitchen Management
Flavour-Led Cooking
Organisation Skills
Calmness Under Pressure
Food Quality Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really soak in the job description. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for in our next Head Chef, so make sure you understand the vibe and expectations at Burnt Orange.

Show Off Your Experience:When you’re writing your application, don’t hold back on showcasing your experience in leading busy kitchens. We want to see how you’ve thrived under pressure and delivered top-notch food, so give us the juicy details!

Let Your Passion Shine Through:We’re all about bold, flavour-led cooking here at Burnt Orange. Make sure your application reflects your passion for vibrant dishes and quality ingredients. Share any unique ideas or experiences that highlight your love for cooking!

Apply Through Our Website:Once you’ve polished up your application, head over to our website to submit it. It’s the best way to ensure it lands directly in our hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Burnt Orange

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Burnt Orange's menu and its Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance or innovate the current offerings, showcasing your passion for bold, flavour-led cooking.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles. Highlight your approach to managing a busy kitchen and how you maintain high standards under pressure.

Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Health & Safety

Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen compliance and health & safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure a safe working environment while maintaining quality and efficiency in the kitchen.

Bring Your Passion to the Table

Let your enthusiasm for cooking and hospitality shine through during the interview. Share stories that reflect your love for food, service, and creating memorable dining experiences, as this aligns with the vibrant atmosphere at Burnt Orange.