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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!
- Benefits: Earn up to £45,000 with uncapped bonuses and enjoy excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing brand that values work-life balance and culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role is essential; BBQ passion is a plus!
- Other info: Work in a bespoke kitchen with authentic smokers imported from the USA.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse. We are thrilled 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 £45,000 per year including Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus!
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 an 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. We have a company culture that really cares and embraces work-life balance. We are really going places – and we want to take you with us.
Thank You's & Benefits:
- A generous Head Chef package of up to £45,000 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 the USA.
- Excellent training & progression opportunities through our award-winning Hickory's Training Academy.
Head Chef employer: Hickorys Smokehouse
Contact Detail:
Hickorys 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 the specific techniques they use will help you demonstrate your passion for their cuisine during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Hickory's to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that you can reference in conversations, showing your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage a kitchen team. Highlighting your experience in leading a brigade and your approach to training and developing staff will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your creativity by thinking of innovative BBQ dishes or menu ideas that could fit within Hickory's concept. Presenting fresh ideas can set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to their culinary vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Head Chef at Hickory's Smokehouse. Familiarise yourself with their BBQ menu and the importance of leading a team in a busy kitchen environment.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in the culinary field, especially any leadership roles or experience with BBQ cuisine. Make sure to include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to run a kitchen effectively.
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 specifically and how your values align with their company culture.
Showcase Your Skills: If possible, include examples of your culinary skills or creativity in your application. This could be through a portfolio of dishes you've created or any awards you've received in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickorys 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 Hickory's Smokehouse.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's important to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or motivated a team in the past.
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with Hickory's menu and be ready to discuss how you would enhance it. Highlight any innovative ideas you have for new dishes or improvements to existing ones.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Hickory's values work-life balance, so be sure to express your understanding of its importance. Discuss how you manage your time effectively while maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
