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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create mouth-watering BBQ dishes in a busy kitchen.
- Company: Join Hickory's Smokehouse, crowned 'Best Pub Employer' for 2025, known for its vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £45,000, uncapped bonuses, and amazing perks like free BBQ on shift!
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing company with excellent training and a supportive work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role is essential; passion for BBQ is a must!
- Other info: Opportunities for road trips and community fundraising activities await!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Overview
Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory\’s Smokehouse – We arethrilled to have been recently crowned the‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025 at The Publican Awards!
Join us as a Head Chef and we can offer you a generous package of up to £47,000 per year including Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus!
Responsibilities
We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead our passionate brigade of BBQ enthusiasts, you will be responsible for running our bespoke kitchen, and delivering the very best food that our Smokehouse can offer. You will be working with and leading the team to deliver authentic fresh food-based BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town.
As the fastest growing, Southern style Smokehouse group in the UK with an award-winning Hickory’s Training Academy, we can offer you amazing opportunities as we expand. And, we have a company culture that really cares & embraces work-life – balance.
We are really going places – and we want to take you with us.
Benefits
- A generous Head Chef package of up to £47,000 per year including Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus!
- The chance to work in one of our £250k bespoke built kitchens, with authentic smokers imported all the way from USA
- Excellent training & progression opportunities – through our award-winning Hickory’s Training Academy
- Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends – every year
- Free smokin’ BBQ on shift – team food & drinks menu
- Christmas Day off work – every year
- Moments that matter – paid occasion days off (Wedding day, kid’s first day at school, moving into first home & more)
- Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory’s (rising to 50% for loyal service)
- Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
- Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme, plus a Wellbeing Champion in each restaurant to support you
- Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red Zone
- A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
- Up to £1000 for you – through the refer a friend scheme
If that sounds good or does it leave you wanting to find out more? Click ‘apply’ now and you could be our next Head Chef.
REF: INDPCHEF
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef employer: Hickory's Smokehouse
Contact Detail:
Hickory's Smokehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hickory's Smokehouse and their unique BBQ style. Understanding their menu and cooking techniques will help you demonstrate your passion for their cuisine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlighting your ability to inspire and train others will resonate well with their focus on team culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with high-volume kitchens, as this role involves working in one of the busiest restaurants. Sharing specific examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments will strengthen your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the kitchen, particularly in BBQ or similar cuisines. Emphasise leadership roles and any awards or recognitions you've received.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for BBQ and hospitality. Mention why you want to work at Hickory's Smokehouse and how your values align with their company culture.
Showcase Your Culinary Skills: If possible, include a portfolio of your culinary creations or a list of signature dishes you’ve developed. This can help demonstrate your expertise and creativity in the kitchen.
Highlight Team Leadership Experience: Discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Provide examples of how you've motivated staff, managed kitchen operations, and ensured high standards of food quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickory's Smokehouse
✨Show Your Passion for BBQ
As a Head Chef, your enthusiasm for BBQ and fresh food is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your favourite BBQ techniques and dishes, and how you can bring that passion to the team at Hickory's Smokehouse.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a brigade of BBQ enthusiasts, so highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team, resolved conflicts, or trained new staff in previous roles.
✨Know the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Hickory's Smokehouse's values and culture. Emphasise your alignment with their commitment to work-life balance and team support during the interview, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but for the company as well.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask about the kitchen operations, menu development, and training opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
