At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, inspire your team, and deliver outstanding food experiences.
- Company: The Duke of Wellington, a welcoming pub restaurant with a great reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pub discounts, career development, and financial wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting chapter with opportunities for growth and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Join us to create memorable dining experiences and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing a high-volume kitchen and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.
The Duke of Wellington, Hatfield Peverel is a welcoming, family-friendly pub restaurant with a reputation for bringing people together over great food. Following fresh investment, we're ready for our next chapter, with a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Kitchen Manager / Head Chef to lead our kitchen.
As Kitchen Manager, you'll take ownership of our kitchen, leading a team to deliver outstanding food, excellent standards and a brilliant guest experience.
- Lead a busy food operation: Manage a high-volume kitchen, ensuring the team is prepared and organised to deliver consistently great food.
- Inspire your team: Build a positive kitchen culture, develop your people and bring the team together to achieve shared goals.
- Deliver quality every time: Maintain high standards across the menu, ensuring every dish is prepared and served with care.
- Make the most of seasonal trade: Plan ahead for our significant summer uplift, ensuring the kitchen is ready to deliver during our busiest periods.
- Manage the commercial side: Take responsibility for stock, ordering, labour, waste and kitchen profitability.
- Keep standards exceptional: Lead on food safety, hygiene, allergens, cleanliness and compliance.
- Work collaboratively: Partner with the General Manager and front-of-house team to create a seamless experience for our guests.
- Lead from the front: Be hands-on, visible and confident, supporting your team through busy services.
We're looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef who understands the demands of a busy, food-led pub or restaurant. You'll be a confident leader who enjoys developing people, takes pride in great food and has the commercial awareness to run a successful kitchen.
- Experience managing a busy kitchen or high-volume food operation.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop a team.
- A passion for food quality, consistency and presentation.
- Good commercial awareness, including stock control, labour management and minimising waste.
- Excellent organisation and the ability to plan for seasonal peaks.
- A thorough understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures.
- A hands-on approach and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
At Greene King, we're committed to helping our people grow, succeed and enjoy what they do. Career development includes access to training, apprenticeships and opportunities to progress across Greene King. Enjoy 33% off at Greene King pubs, plus 15% off for friends and family. Access to Wagestream to help you manage your pay and additional perks such as retail discounts, family-friendly benefits and an Employee Assistance Programme.
If you're an experienced kitchen leader who thrives in a busy environment, loves building a strong team and wants to be part of an exciting next chapter following fresh investment, we'd love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Braintree employer: Greene King
Greene King is an excellent employer that values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong sense of community. Working at Greene King not only means being part of a renowned pub chain but also contributing to creating memorable guest experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Braintree
✨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 Greene King. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Greene King
Don't be shy about reaching out to Greene King 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 Braintree
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 Greene King 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 Greene King
✨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!
