At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional seafood dishes.
- Company: Join Rockfish, a top-rated seafood restaurant chain in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous tips, 28 days holiday, and wellness support.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful coastal town with a focus on community and connection.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a sustainable seafood business while enjoying career growth.
- Qualifications: At least one year of Head Chef experience in a restaurant.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 44000 £ per year.
About the Company
Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks, founder and CEO of the unique seafood business that catches, processes and serves local seafood at 10 locations in the Southwest. With a 25-year career in seafood as a chef, restaurateur and fishmonger, Mitch is one of the leading voices in seafood in the UK.
Role Overview
We're a Top 50 Best Company to Work For in the UK, servicing MSC-certified sustainable seafood landed fresh daily from Brixham Fish Market. If you're a talented chef with a passion for leadership, sustainability, and career progression, this is an incredible opportunity to grow with us. The salary for this role is £39k per annum basic salary, up to £44k when including tronc, gratuities and overtime.
Responsibilities
- Oversee a team of chefs ensuring food is prepared to a high standard.
- Build strong relationships with front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional service to all guests.
- Manage stock effectively to minimise wastage and control labour in line with budgets to meet financial KPIs.
- Coach and inspire your team to fulfil their full potential, ensuring you and your team embrace the core values of Care, Community and Connection.
- Lead the service and mentor a talented kitchen team.
- Ensure every plate meets Rockfish standards.
- Manage resources to minimise waste and control costs.
- Collaborate with the front-of-house team to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.
Qualifications
At least one year of experience at Head Chef level within a restaurant environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + paid overtime (focus on work-life balance).
- Generous share of gratuities and tips, distributed via Tip Jar.
- Generous Refer a Friend bonus.
- Company pension scheme to support your future.
- 28 days holiday, plus your birthday off.
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day off every year.
- Winter working patterns with full pay.
- 4-week paid sabbatical after 10 years of service.
- 24/7 access to wellbeing services, including counselling, financial and legal advice.
- 50% off dining at all Rockfish restaurants.
- Access to Rockfish paddleboards to use on your break time.
- Competitions and incentives.
- Training in wine, health & safety, and food safety.
- Clear paths for career progression – we're always looking for our next Area Head Chef.
Why Rockfish?
This is your chance to work in one of the UK's most beautiful coastal towns, with a team that values sustainability, quality, and growth. At Rockfish, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.
Ready to Make Waves? Bring your passion and culinary expertise to Rockfish. Apply now!
Head Chef in Exeter employer: Job Search Place Limited
Rockfish is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the Top 50 Best Companies to Work For in the UK, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises sustainability and employee growth. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a paid sabbatical after 10 years, and a commitment to work-life balance, Rockfish provides a supportive environment for chefs to thrive in one of the UK's most picturesque coastal towns. Join a team that values diversity and inspires culinary excellence while enjoying unique perks like access to paddleboards during breaks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or anyone in the industry. Attend local food events or workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Rockfish, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on culinary trends and sustainability practices. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers that you're committed to growth and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seafood:When you're writing your application, let your love for seafood shine through! Share any experiences you've had with local seafood or sustainable practices, as this aligns perfectly with our values at Rockfish.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and coached your team in the past, and how you plan to do the same with us!
Tailor Your Application:Don't just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific role at Rockfish. Mention our core values of Care, Community, and Connection, and how you embody them.
Apply Through Our Website:We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Seafood
Make sure you brush up on your seafood knowledge before the interview. Rockfish prides itself on serving local, sustainable seafood, so be prepared to discuss your experience with different types of fish and how you ensure quality in your dishes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Think of examples where you've successfully coached or inspired your team, and be ready to share how you handle challenges in the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Rockfish is all about sustainability, so make sure you highlight any experience you have with minimising waste and sourcing ingredients responsibly. Discuss how you can contribute to their mission of serving MSC-certified seafood.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for questions like how you'd handle a busy service or resolve conflicts within your team. Think through your responses to show you're ready for the fast-paced environment at Rockfish.
