Head Chef - Brighton in Hove

Head Chef - Brighton in Hove

Hove Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Burnt Orange

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating bold, flavour-driven dishes and inspiring your team.
  • Company: Join Burnt Orange, a top independent restaurant in Brighton's lively dining scene.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free food, discounts, extra holiday, and team socials.
  • Other info: Opportunities for growth within a respected restaurant group.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and shape memorable dining experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

Head Chef - Brighton 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 scheme
  • Cycle-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 - Brighton in Hove employer: Burnt Orange

Burnt Orange is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Brighton, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and passion for food thrive. With competitive pay, generous benefits including free meals, discounts, and opportunities for professional growth within the Blackrock Restaurant Group, we foster a supportive culture that values teamwork and individual development. Join us to be part of a friendly team dedicated to delivering outstanding dining experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.

Burnt Orange

Contact Details:

Burnt Orange Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Brighton in Hove

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 Burnt Orange. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Burnt Orange

Don't be shy about reaching out to Burnt Orange 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 - Brighton in Hove

Leadership
Team Motivation
Coaching
Creativity
Organisational Skills
Composure Under Pressure
Food Quality Standards

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 Burnt Orange 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 Burnt Orange

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!