At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Join a respected hospitality group in vibrant Exeter.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, employee discounts, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a busy kitchen and shape its future success.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
JWR is recruiting for an experienced and commercially focused Head Chef to lead the kitchen within a high-quality operation in Exeter. This is an excellent opportunity for an established Head Chef to take ownership of a busy food operation, leading a talented brigade and delivering consistently high standards across restaurant dining, breakfast, private events and functions.
The successful candidate will combine strong culinary leadership with sound commercial awareness, creating a positive kitchen culture while maintaining excellent standards of food quality, presentation and guest satisfaction.
The Package
- Salary of £50,000-£55,000
- Service charge
- Performance-related bonus
- Company benefits and employee discounts
- Training and career-development opportunities
- Support from an established hospitality group
The Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the kitchen, including:
- Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen brigade
- Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality and presentation
- Overseeing menu development and seasonal changes
- Managing food costs, labour, stock and wastage
- Recruiting, training and retaining a strong kitchen team
- Ensuring all food safety, hygiene and allergen standards are maintained
- Delivering smooth service across multiple food and beverage areas
- Working closely with the General Manager and wider hotel leadership team
- Supporting budgets, forecasts and wider commercial objectives
- Creating a professional, organised and positive working environment
Requirements
We are looking for an established Head Chef with experience in a quality, multi-outlet hospitality operation. You will have:
- A strong fresh-food background
- Previous experience leading and developing a sizeable kitchen team
- Excellent knowledge of food costs, labour management and kitchen budgets
- Experience delivering multiple services and functions
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- A calm, hands-on and supportive leadership style
- A proven track record of maintaining consistently high standards
- Sound knowledge of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Head Chef to join a respected hospitality business, take ownership of the kitchen operation and play a key role in shaping its future success.
To apply, contact JWR with your updated CV.
Head Hospitality chef employer: James Webber Recruitment
Join a dynamic multi-site hotel group in Birmingham, where your sales expertise will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and excellent welfare benefits, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Experience the unique advantage of working in a vibrant city while building lasting relationships in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Hospitality chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like James Webber Recruitment. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to James Webber Recruitment
Don't be shy about reaching out to James Webber Recruitment directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Hospitality chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about James Webber Recruitment and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Webber Recruitment
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
