At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and ensure top-notch food quality.
- Company: Join JW Lees, a nearly 200-year-old family-owned brewery with 150 locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy profit sharing, discounts on food, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values creativity and excellence in cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for great food.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and access to exclusive discounts.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head Chef to lead our talented kitchen team.
What we offer our Head Chefs:
- Annual profit share, ensuring you share in the success of the company
- Realistic bonus potential
- 30% discount on food and drink across our pubs and inns for you and friends and family
- 50% off food when on shift
- Discounted stays in our hotels and inns
- Wellbeing support with our Employee Assistant Programme
- Great opportunities to grow in your role and progress your career
- Access to JW BenefitHub, giving you access to a huge range of high street and online discounts
What a Head Chef does at JW Lees:
- You’ll be a dedicated and professional leader ensuring that kitchen standards are maintained to the very highest standard
- Be passionate about cooking great food and ensuring every dish leaves the kitchen to specification
- Ensure that excellent stock control practices are maintained
- Motivate your team to perform to the best of their cooking capabilities
- Mentor and develop your team, passing on your skills, knowledge and experience
- Be the creative genius behind the in-house specials
- You will lay the ground rules and have overall responsibility over daily operations within the kitchen ensuring you and your team achieve 5* Scores on the doors
- Your work will be exemplary and will inspire your team to send the perfect dish on time every time.
About JW Lees:
Proudly family owned and nearly 200 years old, JW Lees are the original modern, traditional brewer. With 150 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, we are passionate about great beer, fantastic food and memorable experiences. We put people at the heart of our business, always doing the right thing and always sticking together. Our six values are at the heart of everything we do: Proud - Savvy - Honest - Passionate - Personal - Together.
Head Chef employer: JW Lees
Contact Detail:
JW Lees Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with JW Lees' values and culture. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you embody those values, particularly in leadership and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity in the kitchen by preparing a unique dish that reflects your culinary style. This could be a talking point during your interview, demonstrating your passion and ability to innovate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the hospitality industry, especially with professionals who have experience at JW Lees or similar establishments. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with stock control and team management in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and maintained high standards in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what JW Lees is looking for in a Head Chef. Highlight your leadership skills, passion for cooking, and ability to maintain high kitchen standards in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience in kitchen management and culinary skills. Include specific examples of how you've motivated teams, maintained stock control, and created successful dishes or specials.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and leadership. Mention why you want to work for JW Lees and how your values align with theirs. Be sure to include any unique ideas you have for menu specials or team development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at JW Lees
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
As a Head Chef, your love for cooking should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and what inspires you in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your genuine passion for food and leadership.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Emphasise your experience in leading a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles. This will show that you can inspire others and maintain high standards.
✨Discuss Stock Control Practices
Be ready to talk about your approach to stock control and how you ensure minimal waste while maintaining quality. This is crucial for a Head Chef role, so having concrete examples will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Creative Challenges
Expect to be asked about your creativity in developing new dishes or specials. Think of a few ideas you could bring to the table and be ready to discuss how you would implement them in the kitchen.