At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most successful restaurant groups in a new opening.
- Benefits: Enjoy overtime pay, staff meals, 50% off food, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and career progression.
- Why this job: Make customers happy with your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Sous Chef with strong kitchen skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our new opening and become part of one of the most successful restaurant groups in the UK.
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 follow the lead of your Head Chef 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 - New Opening - Sunderland employer: Lounge Café Bars
Join our vibrant team as a Head Chef in Sunderland, where you'll lead a passionate kitchen dedicated to real cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients. We offer a supportive work culture that values your unique approach, alongside fantastic benefits like overtime pay, generous staff discounts, and opportunities for personal development in a rapidly growing restaurant group. With a focus on employee well-being and a fun atmosphere, including our renowned Loungefest staff party, this is an excellent place to build your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - New Opening - Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant group! Research their values and menu offerings. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another chef; you’re a passionate foodie who aligns with their vision of real cooking.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Head Chef role. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills in a trial shift! If they offer you one, treat it as your stage. Bring your A-game, showcase your creativity, and let your passion for fresh ingredients shine through. This is your chance to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and being part of something special.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - New Opening - Sunderland
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 reflected in your words.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Head Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing kitchen teams and maintaining high standards. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your journey and skills without having to sift through unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
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, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
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 a big deal for the restaurant group.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past. Talk about your approach to training and motivating your team, as well as how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen.
✨Understand the Business Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed costs, stock, and food safety in previous positions. This will demonstrate that you can make informed decisions that align with the restaurant's goals.
✨Be Yourself
The restaurant group values individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your unique cooking style and how you plan to bring your flair to the menu. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
