At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team, creating fresh, high-quality dishes that delight customers.
- Company: Join a vibrant hospitality group known for its real cooking and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy overtime pay, staff meals, discounts, and a fun staff party - Loungefest!
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and career progression in a fast-growing business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic kitchen while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Sous Chef with strong kitchen skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
You love real cooking. We love real cooking. Customers love real cooking. It's a no-brainer so you wonder why so many other places don't do it. We do it, and you'll be doing it with us - fresh, customer led, and with high-quality ingredients. We also love our real people who run Lounges. The person who runs these brilliant people has to be super-brilliant, and that'll be you. Your standards will be as high as ours, but exactly how you do it will be unique to you.
You'll be doing it your way. You'll be part of a dedicated, supportive team, working from our flexible all-day menu to give people food that'll make their day. It'll be your responsibility to make each dish to spec, in a clean and safe kitchen, and to make sure all prep and par is completed for each shift. You'll be helping every customer leave happy. Which they tend to do. Thanks to your great food.
The Good Stuff
- Overtime pay for every hour worked over contracted hours!
- Staff food on every shift
- 50% off food and drinks (including alcohol) from day one at all three of our brands - Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside
- Paid breaks
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) pro rata
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 2 years service
- The most talked-about staff party in hospitality - Loungefest!
- Competitions and incentives (like jetting off on an all expenses paid trip with one of our suppliers)
- Company pension scheme
- Long service awards
- Power over your pay with Wagestream
- Emotional and practical support via the Licenced Trade Charity
- Great opportunity for personal development and career progression in a fast growing business
- Achievable bonuses
- Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
- Christmas and Boxing Day off!
What you'll bring
- You are probably an existing Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or Sous Chef looking for your first step into a Head Chef role.
- You will have experience of working with fresh ingredients and be able to demonstrate good chef/kitchen skills (food prep hot and cold, cleaning, knife skills, good hygiene practices)
- Your work ethic is rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in and leading from the front; playing an active role in delivering excellent kitchen and food standards as part of a high performing team.
- Familiar with managing through clear KPIs and making decisions considering labour; stock; food safety requirements plus others.
- You will have worked in kitchen environments where you're required to report on various metrics including GPs; labour/house; food preparation.
- You will have demonstrated successful delivery of training and recruitment for kitchen teams including Apprentices, KPs, Chefs, Junior Sous Chefs and Sous Chefs.
If you want to find out more about us, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram @thelounges.
Head Chef - Clacton on Sea in Clacton-on-Sea employer: Lounge Café Bars
At our Clacton on Sea location, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture that celebrates real cooking and high-quality ingredients. As a Head Chef, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including overtime pay, generous staff discounts, and opportunities for personal development in a fast-growing business. Join us for an exciting career where your culinary creativity can shine, and be part of a team that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Clacton on Sea in Clacton-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out their social media and website. This will help you understand their vibe and values, so you can show them you're a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your cooking style. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for real cooking and leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Clacton on Sea in Clacton-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Real Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for real cooking shine through! Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and how you create dishes that make customers happy. We want to see your personality and passion for food!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've trained and managed kitchen staff before, and how you lead by example. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific kitchen environments you've worked in, the types of dishes you've prepared, and any metrics you've managed. This helps us understand how your experience aligns with our high standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lounge Café Bars
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh ingredients and cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you prepare them. This shows your passion for real cooking, which is something the company values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your experience in training and developing junior chefs, as this will demonstrate your ability to build a high-performing team.
✨Understand the Business Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to kitchen management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed costs, stock, and food safety in previous roles. This will show that you can make informed decisions that align with the company's goals.
✨Be Yourself
The company values individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your unique approach to cooking and how you would bring your flair to their menu. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
