At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create seasonal menus with fresh ingredients.
- Company: Unique pub on the Exeter canal with a vibrant atmosphere and large beer garden.
- Benefits: Full menu autonomy, culinary masterclasses, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity and passion for food in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
A unique pub situated on the Exeter canal, 15 mins walk from the quayside and now 5 minutes from Marsh Barton train station. The pub has one of the largest beer gardens in the south with over 1000 outdoor spaces. We host various events and functions that cater from 100 to our busiest one of the year hijacking 4000 people. With outdoor bars and BBQs, no week is ever the same at the double locks. In the winter, it is a lovely traditional pub with log fires and lots of dogs.
We believe every pub should be different. This means that you'll be writing your own recipes that match the food vision of your business using fresh seasonal ingredients. The food vision could be all about showcasing local produce, country pub classics, seafood, small plates and sharers, dry-aged meat - each pub is different and it's up to you as head chef to put your own creative stamp on that vision. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should constantly evolve to showcase these fantastic ingredients when they are at their best. Premium fresh food crafted by skilled chefs in Premium Pubs.
What we offer our Head Chefs:
- Full autonomy to create your own menus and specials
- Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
- Access to regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery and Shellfish
- Access to inspirational food trips with our top quality suppliers
- Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to inspire and develop
- Free meals
- 20% discount in all Young's Pubs and 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
- Share save Scheme
- Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
- 28 Days Holiday per year
What we look for in a Head Chef:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our busy kitchen team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service standards.
- Create and implement seasonal menus using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including daily service, private functions, and catering requirements.
- Oversee stock control, ordering, stock takes, and waste management.
- Take responsibility for the Burger Shack Van operations, including menu planning and ordering.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and all relevant legislation.
- Maintain excellent standards in line with Environmental Health Officer (EHO) regulations.
- Monitor kitchen performance, food quality, and consistency at all times.
- Use tablets and digital systems confidently for ordering, stock management, and operational tasks.
Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a busy, fast-paced kitchen.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Experience developing seasonal menus and working with fresh ingredients.
- Excellent organisational and stock management abilities.
- Thorough knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and EHO regulations.
- Comfortable using tablets and digital kitchen management systems.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining high standards.
If you are a driven and creative chef looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Exeter employer: Career Wallet
At Young's, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering our Head Chefs the unique opportunity to craft their own menus in a vibrant pub setting by the Exeter canal. With a strong focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and professional growth through culinary masterclasses and development programmes, our team enjoys a rewarding environment where no two weeks are the same. Additionally, our generous benefits, including discounts across our pubs and a robust pension scheme, make Young's a fantastic place to build a fulfilling career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Exeter
✨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 Career Wallet. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Career Wallet
Don't be shy about reaching out to Career Wallet 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 in Exeter
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 Career Wallet 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 Career Wallet
✨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!
