At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire kitchen teams across multiple sites to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Join a vibrant hospitality group that values people and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy unique perks like annual trips and the best staff parties!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our Lounge Operations Chefs play a pivotal role in the success of our business. Working alongside an Operations Manager, you will manage an area of c.8-10 sites maximum, remaining close to our teams and our customers every day. Your team will be your absolute number 1 priority, spotting amazing talent, celebrating success, creating a real buzz and a sense of belonging for our team, plus developing great managers and leaders through training, coaching and mentoring.
What you will be responsible for:
- Relentlessly on the hunt to find and hire great kitchen talent to join Lounge at all levels, with a specific focus on building a high performing and loyal team of Heads Chefs and Sous Chefs.
- Getting the best out of your team by understanding what makes them tick as individuals, ensuring there are clear priorities in place for each site and that there is a strong culture of honest two-way feedback in the kitchens.
- Making the most of your time in a week by frequently visiting your sites to get stuck into service, help to train and coach your kitchen teams.
- Developing the capability and confidence of your Head Chef team through having clear development plans in place and providing opportunities for them to develop their skills.
- Knowing the details of our menu specs and kitchen processes inside-out, so you can immediately spot issues or opportunities during visits.
- Ensuring that all kitchens are delivering the unique Lounge Commitments, including fair rotas and regular conversations.
- Leading the training and engagement of kitchen teams to deliver seamless menu changes for our customers.
- Helping to plan and execute the delivery of Great Kitchen Shifts across your sites.
- Caring about the community your Lounges operate in, partnering with your Ops Manager to connect with the local environment.
- Conducting high impact visits and being visibly hands-on with kitchen teams.
- Delivering daily and weekly the Ops Chef expectations.
- Owning the kitchen H&S standards and practices of your sites.
- Delivering on key performance indicators, from customer wait times to food safety expectations.
Who Do We Look For?
- You believe in yourself and your leadership, in your team, and in our cause.
- You are honest and have the strength of character to own up to what's not going right.
- You genuinely care for your team and know how to keep them motivated and engaged.
- You command the detail and deliver uncompromising standards both front and back of house.
- You never settle for second best and obsess about learning from yesterday.
- You lead your team through your own unique style and personality.
Where are you now?
- You are probably a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, Operations Chef or Area/Regional Chef in bars or restaurants.
- You will have had multi-site hospitality experience across bars, restaurants, or cafes.
- You balance your time between managing and getting stuck in.
- You will have been in senior leadership positions in a large turnover single site or multi-site capacity.
- You will be familiar with managing through clear KPIs and making commercial decisions.
- Your ambition will keep you driven and focused on getting better every single day.
The Good Stuff:
- Competitive salary + annual achievable bonus paid 2x a year.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Opportunity to participate in the Loungers Management retention scheme award.
- Company car allowance.
- Full expenses and mileage provided.
- Great opportunity for personal development and career progression in a fast growing business.
- Annual Ops trip to somewhere sunny.
- 50% discount on food from day 1.
- The best staff party - Loungefest.
Operations Chef - Devon - Devon in Axminster employer: leisurejobs
At Loungers, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises team development and individual growth. As an Operations Chef in Devon, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a company car allowance, and opportunities for personal development within a rapidly growing business. Our commitment to fostering a supportive environment ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of delivering outstanding customer experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Chef - Devon - Devon in Axminster
✨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 leisurejobs. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to leisurejobs
Don't be shy about reaching out to leisurejobs 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 Operations Chef - Devon - Devon in Axminster
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 leisurejobs 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 leisurejobs
✨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!
