Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen, create innovative menus, and inspire a talented team.
- Company: Join Ocean, a vibrant restaurant committed to culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Generous leave, gym membership, discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape our culinary future and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all passionate applicants.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Ocean – Shape Our Culinary Future!
ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you a dynamic culinary leader ready to make your mark? Ocean is seeking an inspiring Head Chef who is passionate about food, people, and progress. This is a unique opportunity for you to put your stamp on our kitchen, introduce innovative ideas, and build a team you can be proud of.
YOUR PURPOSE
As the pivotal figure in our kitchen, you will oversee all operations, from menu planning and inventory management to staff development and food quality assurance. Working closely with the Group Head Chef and F&B Business Manager, you’ll lead the charge in delivering a consistent, high-quality dining experience that brings customers back time and time again.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR HEAD CHEF
- Operational Excellence: We expect you to set the benchmark for food preparation and service, consistently delivering exceptional quality and delighting our customers. You should proactively manage inventory and ingredient ordering, ensuring efficiency and minimal waste. Creativity is valued—your input on developing fresh menu concepts, pricing strategies, and portion control will help keep our offerings exciting and competitive. Your kitchen will be a model of cleanliness, safety, and organisation, maintained through diligent preventive routines and attentive oversight. Effective rota management and staff scheduling are essential to ensure seamless operations. Prompt reporting and resolution of equipment issues are also expected. Ongoing training is a priority, so you’ll keep yourself and your team up to date with Skillgate compliance.
- Health and Safety: You are expected to champion a spotless, safe kitchen that not only meets but exceeds health and safety standards, including COSHH, First Aid, PPE, and hazard awareness. Your familiarity with fire prevention, emergency responses, and evacuation procedures should be second to none. You will foster a secure atmosphere and communicate any concerns swiftly to management.
- Food Safety: We expect you to lead by example in upholding the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and statutory compliance at all times.
- People Management: Your leadership should inspire and unite the kitchen team, cultivating a positive, inclusive, and ambitious culture. You will be expected to attract, train, and nurture talented individuals, ensuring everyone is motivated and equipped to succeed. Regular feedback, clear goals, and thoughtful performance reviews will help your team grow. You’ll address any issues with professionalism and positivity. Finally, you’ll encourage continuous development, keeping your team ahead of industry trends and best practice.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- A dynamic, visionary leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
- Proven experience in a similar Head Chef or Kitchen Manager role.
- Exceptional organisational and people management skills.
- A passion for food innovation and delivering excellence on every plate.
- Commitment to maintaining the highest food safety and health standards.
- Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a strong kitchen team.
WHY JOIN OCEAN?
- Freedom to bring your ideas to life and shape our culinary direction.
- Collaborative, supportive leadership team and dynamic work environment.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Be part of a restaurant that values your input and celebrates success together.
TEAM BENEFITS
- Starting from 23 days annual leave (pro rata), rising with tenure to 28 days, plus bank holidays.
- Enhanced sickness pay scheme (following probation).
- Free gym, swim & group exercise membership.
- Staff Perks Discount Card – up to 20% off at food outlets and many other LED benefits.
- My Staff Shop Employee Benefit Scheme – save money on your shopping.
- Employee Assistance Programme & counselling.
- Annual leave purchase scheme.
- Free bowling for you & your household at Ocean.
- Free soft play for dependents of team members at Ocean.
- Personal development training.
- Flexible working.
- Pension scheme.
- Voluntary health cash plan.
- Above & Beyond Award Scheme.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
At LED Group, we are committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities—what matters most is your passion and dedication to making a positive impact!
Closing date 23.11.2025
If you’re ready to lead with passion, drive change, and create a team you’ll be proud of, we want to hear from you!
Head Chef - Ocean Exmouth employer: LED Leisure
Contact Detail:
LED Leisure Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Ocean Exmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry contacts. Attend culinary events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role at Ocean.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a unique dish or menu concept that reflects your culinary style and share it during interviews. This will demonstrate your passion for food innovation and set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your leadership style. Think of examples where you've inspired and developed your kitchen team. Ocean values strong people management, so show us how you can cultivate a positive and ambitious culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Ocean family and shaping our culinary future together.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Ocean Exmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create amazing dishes. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your people management skills. Talk about how you've inspired and developed your team in the past. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and unite others!
Be Creative with Your Ideas: Don’t hold back on sharing your innovative ideas for menu concepts or kitchen operations. We love creativity at Ocean, so let us know how you plan to bring fresh ideas to our culinary direction. This is your chance to impress us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LED Leisure
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your unique culinary style and how it aligns with Ocean's vision. Be ready to share innovative ideas for menu concepts that could excite customers and set you apart as a leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your approach to staff development, training, and creating a positive work culture that inspires others to excel.
✨Demonstrate Operational Excellence
Be ready to discuss your experience with inventory management and food safety standards. Share specific strategies you've implemented to ensure efficiency and maintain high-quality service in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the role. During the interview, confidently explain how you would uphold these standards and create a safe kitchen environment for your team.
