At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create seasonal menus that wow our guests.
- Company: Join Cairn Group, a leader in best-in-class hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy real-time pay, discounts, bonuses, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture with exciting incentives and rewards.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant kitchen and shape our restaurant's reputation.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About the Role
At Cairn Group, we’re proud to deliver best-in-class hospitality—and that extends to the kitchen. We’re looking for a talented and motivated Head Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team, craft thoughtful, seasonal menus, and help shape the reputation of our restaurant. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who combines culinary expertise with strong leadership and commercial awareness.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the kitchen team to deliver consistently high standards of food, service, and safety.
- Create and develop menus that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients and reflect the style and identity of the venue.
- Manage kitchen operations including rota planning, ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships.
- Ensure all compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and HACCP protocols.
- Control costs and drive profitability through smart menu planning, waste reduction, and labour management.
- Foster a positive team culture, encouraging learning, development, and performance improvement.
- Work closely with front-of-house and senior management to ensure seamless service and an exceptional guest experience.
About You
- You will bring patisserie and restaurant experience specializing in French classics and international menu.
- You’re an experienced Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with a passion for fresh, quality food and seasonal cooking.
- You bring creative flair alongside commercial focus—you understand how to build menus that balance flavour and cost.
- You’re a confident and collaborative leader who takes pride in developing a high‑performing team.
- You’re calm, organised, and focused under pressure, with excellent planning and communication skills.
- You’re financially aware, with a good understanding of P&Ls, KPIs, and cost controls.
Benefits
- Service Excellence Bonus: Your hard work pays off. Service charge tips and gratuities add a well‑earned boost to your pay check.
- Get Paid in Real-Time with Wagestream: Take control of your earnings. Track your pay live, access funds when needed, and get expert financial tips—all in real‑time.
- Stay, Relax and Recharge: Enjoy discounted stays across our all our venues.
- Delicious Discounts: Indulge a little with 50% off food and drinks across our hotels, bars and restaurants.
- Spa Discounts: Self‑care matters! Treat yourself with exclusive wellness offers at our spas and leisure clubs.
- Retail, Cinema & Fun Discounts: Enjoy exclusive access to savings on shopping, cinemas trips and fun days out.
- Rise with Us: From apprenticeships to leadership programs, our development team is here to help you grow and reach your career goals.
- Superstar Awards: Your hard work deserves the spotlight! Each month we celebrate and reward our team members who showcase our values and bring hospitality to life.
- Recommend a Friend: Bring great people into the team and earn a bonus when they join!
- 24/7 Support: We’re committed to your wellbeing. Access our confidential Employee Assistance Programme anytime, anywhere.
- Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with our pension plan, designed to help you build long‑term security.
- Year-Round Incentives: Enjoy fun incentives, exciting challenges, and surprise perks throughout the year!
- Bereavement Leave: When life gets tough, we ensure you have the time and support you need to be with your loved ones.
Head Chef -Richoux in Lakenheath employer: Cairn Group
Cairn Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises both culinary excellence and employee wellbeing. As a Head Chef at Richoux, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and professional growth, with access to a range of benefits including real-time pay, generous discounts, and comprehensive development programmes. Join us to lead a passionate kitchen team while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant hospitality environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef -Richoux in Lakenheath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend industry events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your desired role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the competition. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback and refine your craft.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the restaurant's style and menu. Bring ideas for seasonal dishes that align with their concept. This shows you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in contributing to their team and enhancing their culinary offerings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right fit for your skills and passion. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities and get noticed by hiring managers who are looking for talent like yours.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef -Richoux in Lakenheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary expertise and any unique dishes you've created. We want to see your passion for food shine through!
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your experience to match the job description. Mention your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed kitchen operations in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cairn Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Make sure you’re familiar with seasonal ingredients and can discuss how you would create menus that reflect the venue's identity. Prepare to share examples of dishes you've crafted and how they align with current food trends.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You’ll be leading a kitchen team, so it’s crucial to highlight your leadership style. Think about specific instances where you’ve fostered a positive team culture or improved performance. Be ready to discuss how you manage kitchen operations and ensure high standards of food safety and service.
✨Show Your Financial Savvy
Understanding P&Ls and cost controls is key for this role. Brush up on how you’ve previously managed budgets, controlled costs, and driven profitability through smart menu planning. Be prepared to discuss your approach to waste reduction and labour management.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you handle pressure and unexpected challenges in the kitchen. Think of examples where you’ve had to stay calm and organised under stress. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain high standards even in a fast-paced environment.
