At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious seafood dishes.
- Company: Join Rockfish, a top-rated seafood restaurant group in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, tips, bonuses, and 28 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Other info: Training starts immediately; travel to other locations required.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive family-like environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading a kitchen and a passion for seafood.
The predicted salary is between 25396 - 31040 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity hasarisen for an experienced
Head Chef to lead the opening kitchen team atour brand-new Rockfish restaurant in the stunning coastal town of Sidmouth.
Training begins immediately at one of our existing Rockfish locations, so yourown transport is essential.
Rockfish, founded by Mitch Tonks (CEO), is a unique seafood business that catches, processes, and serveslocal seafood across 11 award-winning restaurants in Devon and Dorset—with moreopenings to come.
Mitch is one of the UK’s most respected voices in seafood andhospitality.
- We’re proud to be voted oneof the
- Top 50 Best Companies to work for in the UK, and
Top 10 in Hospitality .
At Rockfish, we care about our people, our guests, and theenvironment—serving only MSC-certified sustainable seafood, landed fresh dailyfrom Brixham Fish Market and delivered straight to our restaurants.
As Head Chef, you will
- Demonstrate provenexperience leading a high-performing kitchen team
- Run a disciplined, clean, and efficient kitchen that delivers consistent quality
- Lead with energy, precision, and integrity
- Inspire, mentor, anddevelop your team with a passion for hospitality
- Collaborate closelywith the front-of-house team to ensure smooth service
- Champion sustainabilityand traceability, proudly serving responsibly caught seafood
- Share our love for thecoast, honest cooking, and great seafood
Why Rockfish?
Working at Rockfish feelslike being part of an extended family. With support from our Area Chefs andleadership team, you’ll never feel isolated in your role.
We believe in care, community, and connection .
Our kitchens are calm, professional, andinclusive—no shouting, no chaos, just teamwork and love for food.
Withtraining, input into seasonal menus, and career development opportunities, you’ll always feel supported and valued.
As Rockfish continues togrow, your career can grow with us.
What’s in it for you?
- Paid travel duringtraining
- Paid Overtime
- 40 hours per week inwinter / 48 hours in summer
- Weekly tips via Tip Jar(approx. £5K per year)
- Performance-basedsummer bonus
- Summer incentives –cash rewards, trips abroad, UK staycations
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day off
- 28 days holiday(pro-rata) + your birthday off
- 50% off dining at all Rockfish locations and The Seahorse
- Free use of Rockfishpaddleboards on breaks
- Referral bonuses &fun competitions with prizes
- 24/7 health &wellbeing support (counselling, financial, legal)
- 5-year service awards
- 4-week paid sabbaticalafter 10 years
- Enhanced paternity andmaternity pay (exclusive to this role)
• Be part of somethingawesome—where it doesn’t feel like work!
Be Part of Something Bigger
We’re growing, and Sidmouthis next! We’re recruiting now so you can complete full training and inductionahead of opening. Some travel to other Rockfish locations will be required.
Ready to Lead?
If you’re passionate aboutseafood, love leading teams, and want to be part of something genuinelyexciting, and join the Rockfish journey.
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Head Chef in Sidmouth employer: Harri.com
As a General Manager at our vibrant South-West attraction, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises excellence and teamwork. We offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture that fosters employee growth, and the unique opportunity to lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering unforgettable visitor experiences. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a well-organised and high-standard workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Sidmouth
✨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 Harri.com. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Harri.com
Don't be shy about reaching out to Harri.com 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 Sidmouth
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 Harri.com 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 Harri.com
✨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!