At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional seafood dishes.
- Company: Join Rockfish, a top-rated seafood restaurant chain in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous tips, 28 days holiday, and wellness support.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a sustainable seafood business while growing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: At least one year of Head Chef experience in a restaurant.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 44000 £ per year.
Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks, founder and CEO of the unique seafood business that catches, processes and serves local seafood at 10 locations in the Southwest, is seeking a talented chef with a passion for leadership, sustainability, and career progression. The salary for this role is £39k per annum basic salary, up to £44k when including tronc, gratuities and overtime.
The role involves overseeing a team of chefs ensuring food is prepared to a high standard, building a strong relationship with our front of house teams to deliver exceptional levels of service to all our guests. You will manage stock effectively and respectfully to minimise wastage and control labour in line with budgets to ensure financial KPIs are met. You will coach and inspire your team to fulfil their full potential ensuring you and your team embrace our core values, ‘Care, Community and Connection’.
As a Head Chef you will:
- Cook exceptional dishes using the freshest seafood.
- Lead the service and mentor a talented kitchen team.
- Ensure every plate meets our Rockfish standards.
- Manage resources to minimise waste and control costs.
- Collaborate with the front-of-house team to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + paid overtime (with a focus on work-life balance).
- Generous share of gratuities and tips, distributed via Tip Jar.
- Generous Refer-a-friend bonus.
- Company pension scheme to support your future.
Time to Recharge
- 28 days holiday, plus your birthday off Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day off every year.
- Winter working patterns with full pay.
- 4 week paid sabbatical after 10 years service.
Health & Wellbeing
- 24/7 access to wellbeing services, including counselling, financial and legal advice.
Discounts & Rewards
- 50% off dining at all Rockfish restaurants.
- Access to Rockfish paddleboards to use on your break time!
- Competitions and incentives.
Training & Career Growth
- Training in wine, health & safety, and food safety.
- Clear paths for career progression—we’re always looking for our next Area Head Chef!
This is your chance to work in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal towns, with a team that values sustainability, quality, and growth. At Rockfish, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. Ready to Make Waves? Bring your passion and culinary expertise to Rockfish. Apply now!
Head Chef in Exeter employer: Harri.com
The Perch in Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and passion for British cuisine are celebrated. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members enjoy opportunities to enhance their culinary skills while contributing to a historic pub that values quality and tradition. The vibrant atmosphere and commitment to high standards make it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful employment in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or anyone in the industry. Attend local food events or workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Rockfish, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Consider taking short courses or workshops to enhance your skills, making you an even more attractive candidate for roles like Head Chef.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seafood:When you're writing your application, let your love for seafood shine through! Share any experiences you've had with local seafood or sustainable practices. We want to see that you’re as excited about our mission as we are!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've inspired and mentored your team in the past. We’re looking for someone who can bring out the best in others!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just say you have experience; give us the details! Mention specific dishes you've created, how you've managed stock, or any financial KPIs you've met. The more concrete examples you provide, the better we can understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harri.com
✨Know Your Seafood
As a Head Chef, your knowledge of seafood is crucial. Brush up on the types of fish and shellfish you’ll be working with, their sustainability, and how to prepare them. Being able to discuss your favourite dishes and cooking techniques will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired your team or resolved conflicts. Rockfish values leadership, so demonstrating your ability to mentor and motivate others will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Rockfish is all about sustainable seafood, so be ready to discuss how you manage resources and minimise waste in the kitchen. Share any initiatives you've implemented in previous roles that align with their core values of Care, Community, and Connection.
✨Connect with the Front-of-House
Collaboration with the front-of-house team is key to delivering exceptional service. Prepare to talk about how you’ve worked with front-of-house staff in the past to enhance the dining experience. Showing that you understand the importance of this relationship will resonate well with the interviewers.
