At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating bold dishes and inspiring your team.
- Company: Las Iguanas, where passion for Latin American cuisine meets teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy team events, competitions, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Join a fun, energetic environment and make a real impact in the kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Our South American Adventure at Las Iguanas. Our food is the heart of the fiesta, inspired by the bold flavours, colour and soul of Latin America. Our kitchens are fast-paced, energetic places where passion, pace and personality come together, and our Head Chefs set the standard.
As a Head Chef at Las Iguanas, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen, leading the team to deliver consistently great food while creating a positive, high-energy culture. You’ll inspire, train and develop your chefs, run smooth and confident services, and ensure standards around quality, safety and cleanliness are always spot on. You’ll balance creativity with control, managing costs, labour and stock effectively, while keeping the flavour bold and the kitchen motivated.
Working closely with the General Manager, you’ll play a key role in driving the success of the restaurant and building a kitchen team that’s proud of what they deliver every day. We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Head Chef who thrives in a busy, high-volume environment and loves leading from the front. You’ll be passionate about fresh food, confident developing people, and calm under pressure — someone who brings energy, structure and consistency to the kitchen.
If you’re ready to lead a kitchen that’s full of flavour, personality and passion — and want to build something special with a brand that celebrates individuality and teamwork — Las Iguanas is the place for you.
Why Join Las Iguanas?
- A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and believe our differences make us stronger.
- A Competitive Package – 45-hour contract, quarterly bonus, and opportunity to earn Tronc.
- Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
- Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships in Hospitality Management (Level 4).
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Make the most of tax-efficient savings on National Insurance, pension contributions, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
- Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, a second medical opinion service, and more.
- Perks & Rewards – Access to wages before payday, salary finance support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, discounted gym memberships, and savings on theme parks, shopping, and entertainment!
- Team Competitions & Events – Win a trip to Cuba, Brazil and beyond! Team parties, and even a chance to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers.
What You’ll Do as a Head Chef:
- Work closely with the management team to achieve restaurant goals.
- Lead the guest experience by ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and kitchen hygiene.
- Create a fun, motivating team environment, with a focus on developing and nurturing talent.
- Be commercially minded, analysing profit & loss accounts to make strong financial decisions and drive efficiency.
Who We’re Looking For:
At Las Iguanas, our teams are like family. We put people at the heart of everything we do, creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where you can be yourself, feel supported, and grow your career. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’ve got you.
Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can be great for getting started, but what really makes an application shine is you, your energy, experience, personality, and leadership style.
What’s the process?
Application → CV review → friendly phone chat → first-stage interview → second-stage interview → offer and onboarding.
At Las Iguanas, we don’t just look for experience – we look for people with a genuine love for hospitality who care about their teams and our guests. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to the family. Apply now and bring your leadership to the Las Iguanas kitchen!
Head Chef in Newark employer: Las Iguanas Sherwood
Las Iguanas is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about food and teamwork. With flexible working options, extensive career growth opportunities, and a range of employee benefits including generous discounts and wellbeing support, our kitchens are designed to be a fun and rewarding environment. Join us in delivering bold flavours while developing your skills alongside a close-knit team in a fast-paced setting that celebrates individuality and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Newark
✨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 Las Iguanas Sherwood. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Las Iguanas Sherwood
Don't be shy about reaching out to Las Iguanas Sherwood 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 in Newark
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 Las Iguanas Sherwood 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 Las Iguanas Sherwood
✨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!
