At a Glance
- 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 £49,000 plus uncapped bonuses and enjoy free BBQ on shift.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture that values work-life balance and personal well-being.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing group with amazing training and career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for BBQ cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 49000 £ 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 £49,000 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, delivering the very best food that our Smokehouse can offer, 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 also have a company culture that really cares and embraces work‑life balance.
Thank You's & Benefits:
- A generous Head Chef package of up to £49,000 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? You could be our next Head Chef.
Head Chef - New Opening employer: Job Search Place Limited
At Hickory's Smokehouse, we pride ourselves on being named the 'Best Pub Employer' for 2025, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance. As a Head Chef, you'll enjoy a competitive salary package, exceptional training through our award-winning Hickory's Training Academy, and unique perks like free BBQ meals and paid occasion days off, all while leading a passionate team in a bespoke kitchen environment. Join us in one of the busiest restaurants in town and be part of our exciting growth journey in the Southern style Smokehouse sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - New Opening
✨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 Job Search Place Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Job Search Place Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Job Search Place Limited 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 Chef - New Opening
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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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!
