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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and experiences.
- Company: Join Hawksmoor, a certified B Corp and one of the UK's best restaurant groups.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid overtime, free meals, and exclusive discounts while developing your career.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome everyone to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment that values quality and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Since 2006, Hawksmoor has been the UK’s home of ethically sourced, grass-fed beef, cooked over charcoal and paired with award-winning wines and cocktails. We’re proud to be a certified B Corp, one of the most sustainable restaurant groups in the industry, and to have been recognised as one of the Best Companies to work for year after year.
As Head Chef at Hawksmoor, you’ll lead the kitchen with confidence, clarity and care. This is a senior leadership role where you’ll be responsible for delivering exceptional food, building a high-performing team and running a commercially strong kitchen that consistently meets Hawksmoor standards. You’ll work closely with the General Manager and senior team to ensure the restaurant delivers outstanding guest experiences, while creating a positive, supportive and disciplined kitchen culture.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the kitchen team, setting standards for food quality, consistency and service
- Take ownership of kitchen performance, including GP, labour and operational efficiency
- Deliver consistently high-quality dishes using exceptional produce and open-fire cooking
- Develop, coach and inspire your team at all levels
- Oversee recruitment, training and succession planning within the kitchen
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards
- Work closely with senior leaders to drive performance and continuous improvement
Who You Are
- Experienced as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality restaurant
- A confident and inspiring leader who builds strong teams
- Commercially aware and comfortable managing costs and performance
- Calm, organised and decisive under pressure
- Passionate about great food, great people and high standards
- Values-led and committed to developing others
Our Values
- Welcome Everyone – We create warm, inclusive spaces where people feel genuinely welcome.
- Work Hard and Be Nice to People – We set high standards and treat each other with kindness and respect.
- Hit Hawksmoor Standards – We care deeply about quality and consistency every day.
- Keep Evolving – We stay curious, open to feedback and always looking to improve.
Benefits
- Paid overtime on salaries
- Tronc paid for every hour you work, including holidays and breaks
- Free team meals on shift
- 50% off food at Hawksmoor for you and your loved ones
- Income protection and death in service cover
- Paid annual volunteer days
- Wagestream early wage access and financial wellbeing tools
- Referral bonuses from day one
- Exclusive savings on travel, shopping and experiences
- Restaurant welfare budget for snacks, drinks and support
- Full training and development with clear progression pathways
We’re building a team that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. At Hawksmoor, we welcome everyone and believe in creating a workplace where individuality is celebrated, kindness is key and high standards are met together. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, please apply anyway. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.
Head Chef employer: Hawksmoor
Contact Detail:
Hawksmoor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or even food bloggers. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Head Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting menu at a local venue. This not only showcases your culinary talents but also gets your name out there in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can make a huge difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Attend workshops or culinary classes to stay ahead of trends. This shows potential employers that you’re passionate about growth and high standards, just like Hawksmoor.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for great food shine through! Share your experiences with exceptional produce and open-fire cooking, as this aligns perfectly with our ethos at Hawksmoor.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you've developed and inspired teams in the past, and how you plan to do the same with us.
Be Commercially Savvy: We’re looking for someone who understands kitchen performance and costs. In your application, mention any experience you have with managing GP, labour, and operational efficiency to show you’re up for the challenge.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Hawksmoor family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawksmoor
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of produce Hawksmoor uses, especially their grass-fed beef and open-fire cooking techniques. Being able to discuss your experience with these ingredients will show your passion for quality and sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as well as how you maintain high standards under pressure. This is crucial for a senior role like Head Chef.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen performance metrics, including GP and labour costs. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these aspects in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commercial awareness and operational efficiency.
✨Embrace Hawksmoor's Values
Familiarise yourself with Hawksmoor's core values and think about how they align with your own. Be prepared to share how you create inclusive spaces, treat your team with kindness, and strive for continuous improvement in your kitchen.