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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create mouth-watering BBQ dishes in a bespoke kitchen.
- Company: Join Hickory's Smokehouse, crowned 'Best Pub Employer' for 2025!
- Benefits: Earn up to £45,000 plus uncapped bonuses and enjoy free BBQ on shift.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing team with amazing training and career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for BBQ cuisine.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture that values work-life balance and personal well-being.
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.
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.
- 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.
Head Chef in Widnes employer: Hickorys Smokehouse
Contact Detail:
Hickorys Smokehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Hickory's Smokehouse on social media and their website. Understanding their vibe will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their BBQ-loving family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! As a Head Chef, you'll need to impress not just with your culinary expertise but also with your leadership. Consider preparing a signature dish that showcases your style and passion for BBQ – it could be a great talking point during your interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about working at Hickory's. They might share valuable insights that can help you stand out during the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Hickory's team. Don’t forget to highlight your experience with BBQ and team leadership in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for BBQ: When you're writing your application, let your love for BBQ shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about leading a team in a smokehouse environment. We want to see that fire in your belly!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role at Hickory's Smokehouse. Highlight relevant experience, especially in running kitchens and working with BBQ menus. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your culinary skills. Share a fun fact or a unique story that reflects your journey in the hospitality industry.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickorys Smokehouse
✨Know Your BBQ
As a Head Chef, it's crucial to showcase your passion for BBQ and culinary expertise. Brush up on different BBQ techniques, flavour profiles, and the specific dishes on Hickory's menu. Be ready to discuss how you can elevate their offerings with your unique twist!
✨Showcase 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 staff. This will demonstrate that you're not just a great cook but also a fantastic leader.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Hickory's values work-life balance, so be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and support your team's wellbeing. Share any strategies you've implemented in previous roles to ensure a positive work environment while maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Hickory's culture, training opportunities, and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
