Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 25000 - 31200 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Dover Street Market

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen at Rose Bakery, creating innovative menus and managing a talented team.
  • Company: Join the vibrant Rose Bakery in Dover Street Market, known for its exceptional food and atmosphere.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 20 days holiday, employee discounts, and access to health services.
  • Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values creativity and passion for food.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in a creative kitchen while developing your culinary leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership abilities.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31200 £ per year.

As Head Chef you will be responsible for managing the kitchen at Rose Bakery in Dover Street Market.

You will be working hand in hand with our Restaurant Manager to ensure the kitchen operates efficiently while consistently delivering exceptional food quality, outstanding customer experience and the highest standards of food safety and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create innovative, seasonal and commercially successful bi-weekly menus, together with bespoke menus for events and special occasions.
  • Ensure all chefs have tools, ingredients and knowledge to implement these menus
  • Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.
  • Manage kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in quality, consistency, and food presentation
  • Plan and manage kitchen rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels for daily trading, peak periods and events
  • Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety throughout the kitchen, ensuring all cleaning schedules are completed.
  • Manage the Kitchen Team rota ensuring that we are fully covered and have the correct resource for busy periods and events
  • Implementing a structure that ensures that all food is prepared on time, and that food levels are sufficient for the day
  • Oversee and manage food ordering, and stock control efficiently and sustainably
  • Work closely with Front of House teams to ensure effective communication of menu changes, allergens, daily specials and operational priorities.
  • Train, mentor, and develop junior chefs, fostering growth and creativity
  • Regular staff meetings to discuss menu ideas, long-term projects, events and kitchen improvements
  • Ensure all equipment is maintained, reporting repairs promptly and managing preventative maintenance where required.

Skills Required

  • Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a high-quality restaurant or hospitality environment
  • Strong leadership and people management skills with experience developing kitchen teams
  • Strong eye for detail and organisational skills, someone who strives for a high level of accuracy within a rapidly changing environment
  • Strong people manager with ability to lead the Kitchen Team
  • Brings creativity, curiosity, and a genuine love for fresh, seasonal cooking
  • Flexible attitude and ability to manage a varied workload
  • Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions proactively
  • Food Hygiene & Safety Level 2
  • Attitude
  • A highly motivated and competent individual able to converse with all levels both internally and externally (including producers and suppliers)
  • A total self-starter able to set the standard by their own professionalism and attitude
  • Knowledge and passion for seasonal products
  • Interested in food trends, and an eye for detail within the Rose Bakery aesthetic
  • Must have an exceptional level of kitchen experience, a real understanding and passion for food, and the importance of sourcing, provenance as well as seasonality

What We Offer

  • 20 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, increasing with each year of service up to 5 additional days
  • Up to 60% DSM Employee Discount
  • 50% discount on all Rose Bakery food and drink
  • Access to Retail Trust, our Employee Assistance Programme
  • 24/7 Access to our Virtual GP service
  • Cyclescheme and Eyecare Vouchers
  • Equal Opportunity

We celebrate the diversity of our workforce, which makes us unique, creative, and connected.

As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure fair treatment for all candidates and employees.

We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to make everyone feel they belong.

We regularly review our recruitment and onboarding processes to be as inclusive as possible.

  • We respect everyone’s stories and celebrate our differences
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Head Chef employer: Dover Street Market

Dover Street Market offers a dynamic and innovative work environment where creativity meets commerce, making it an exceptional employer for those passionate about luxury retail. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration across departments, you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career in the fast-paced world of e-commerce. Located in a vibrant area, the company fosters a culture of inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our success.

Dover Street Market

Contact Details:

Dover Street Market Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

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 Dover Street Market. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Dover Street Market

Don't be shy about reaching out to Dover Street Market 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

Leadership Skills
People Management
Menu Creation
Food Safety and Hygiene
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Creativity

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 Dover Street Market 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 Dover Street Market

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!