At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences for students and guests.
- Company: Join Brighton College, a prestigious independent school known for excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, travel discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work predominantly Monday to Friday with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and showcase your culinary creativity in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with a flair for high-end hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Hospitality Head Chef - Brighton
Hospitality Head Chef Brighton College | Brighton Full Time Join an Award-Winning Team Brighton College is one of the UK's most prestigious and forward-thinking independent schools, recognised nationally as School of the Decade.
Founded in 1845, the College has built an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care, innovation, and an ambitious approach to education.
Educating pupils aged 3 to 18, Brighton College is a vibrant day and boarding community where excellence is expected in every area-including hospitality.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead hospitality catering within a truly exceptional environment, delivering memorable dining experiences for students, staff, parents and VIP guests.
What's in it for you?
We recognise that our people are our greatest asset, so we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- Free meals on duty
- Highly accessible via public transport
- Secure bike and scooter parking
- Closed over Christmas and Easter
- Paid social events and summer celebrations
- Active social committee
- Outstanding working environment and facilities
- Opportunity to work alongside celebrity chefs at exclusive events
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
- Digital GP and healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking. com and more
- Supermarket discounts with Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many others
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cash rewards programme across a wide range of retailers
- Free wellbeing, mindfulness and exercise classes
- Friends and family discount scheme
- Predominantly Monday to Friday daytime shifts (1 weekend in 3)
The Role We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and ambitious Hospitality Head Chef to lead the hospitality kitchen operation at Brighton College.
This is a fantastic role for an experienced chef who thrives in a high-quality hospitality environment and enjoys creating exceptional food experiences using the finest seasonal ingredients.
You'll lead from the front, inspire your team, and deliver outstanding food across a wide range of prestigious hospitality events.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the hospitality kitchen team to consistently deliver exceptional food and service.
- Plan, organise and oversee the preparation and delivery of food for hospitality events across multiple venues within the College.
- Create innovative, seasonal menus and cost recipes to deliver both quality and commercial performance.
- Drive food innovation by keeping up to date with current culinary trends and presenting dishes to the highest standard.
- Take full responsibility for food production using a hands-on leadership approach.
- Manage purchasing, stock control, food costs and labour budgets to achieve financial targets.
- Ensure compliance with all Food Safety, Health & Safety and COSHH legislation.
- Implement food monitoring procedures and maintain accurate records.
- Minimise waste through effective planning, ordering and production management.
- Develop, coach and motivate your team to achieve high standards and continuous improvement.
- Build strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the College.
About You We're looking for an experienced hospitality chef who combines creativity with strong commercial awareness.
You'll have
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within premium hospitality, events or contract catering.
- Experience delivering high-end hospitality across multiple events or venues.
- Proven experience writing, costing and delivering seasonal menus.
- Excellent knowledge of current food trends and modern presentation techniques.
- Outstanding culinary skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A proactive, positive and calm approach under pressure.
- Strong financial awareness, including budgeting, purchasing and food costing.
- Good IT skills and confidence using catering management systems.
- A genuine passion for outstanding food and customer service.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of HACCP and food compliance standards.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to become part of one of the UK's leading independent schools, working within exceptional facilities and alongside a passionate catering team committed to excellence.
If you're an ambitious Hospitality Head Chef looking to take the next step in your career within a prestigious environment, we'd love to hear from you.
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues.
Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.
We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.
We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Hospitality Head Chef - Brighton in Hove employer: ESS
Chartwells Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises growth and excellence in the education catering sector. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding food and hospitality experiences, you will find ample opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact across educational institutions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality 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 ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS 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 Hospitality Head Chef - Brighton in Hove
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 ESS 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 ESS
✨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!
