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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious traditional pub dishes.
- Company: Charming hotel and pub in the stunning New Forest.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a chance to shape a growing business.
- Why this job: Make your culinary mark in a beautiful setting while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Other info: Join a positive kitchen culture with opportunities for creativity and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at our charming New Forest hotel and pub. Serving traditional pub fayre alongside weddings, events, afternoon teas, and hotel breakfasts, this is a fantastic opportunity for a talented chef who can combine quality cooking with strong leadership and operational control.
The Role
As Head Chef, you’ll take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring that every dish leaving the pass is of the highest standard. You’ll plan and deliver menus for our busy pub restaurant, hotel guests, and event catering, adapting to the seasonal needs of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and inspire the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality food.
- Maintain full control of food cost, portion control, and wastage to achieve GP targets.
- Oversee kitchen cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards at all times.
- Manage staff rotas and wage costs in line with business levels.
- Work closely with management to support weddings, conferences, and special events.
- Ensure smooth delivery of breakfast, lunch, and afternoon service for hotel guests and visitors.
- Be adaptable to changes in service or production demands.
- Use (or be willing to learn) Procure Wizard and Alert 65 systems.
About You
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
- A natural leader with excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Passionate about great-quality, traditional food with a modern touch.
- Financially astute with a good understanding of food margins and kitchen KPIs.
- Committed to maintaining a positive, motivated, and professional kitchen culture.
The Package
Full-time, permanent position – 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7. Opportunity to make your mark in a growing business within the beautiful New Forest.
Head Chef employer: New Forest Hotels
Contact Detail:
New Forest Hotels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry contacts. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event to showcase your culinary talents. This is a great way to get noticed and demonstrate your passion for quality cooking and leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to the hotels and pubs you admire. Send them a message expressing your interest in working with them, even if they’re not currently hiring.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to keep an eye on our listings and apply directly to increase your chances of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. Share your experiences and what drives you to create amazing dishes, especially in a traditional pub setting.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef. Focus on your leadership skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage a kitchen effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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’re considered for this fantastic opportunity in our beautiful New Forest hotel and pub.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Forest Hotels
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with traditional pub fayre and any seasonal dishes that might be relevant. Being able to discuss your ideas for menus or how you would adapt them for events will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you motivate staff, manage conflicts, and maintain a positive kitchen culture. This is crucial for a Head Chef role, so be ready to demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Understand Financials and KPIs
Brush up on your knowledge of food costs, portion control, and kitchen KPIs. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in previous roles and how you plan to achieve GP targets in this new position.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you had to adjust to changes in service demands or handle unexpected challenges in the kitchen. Showing that you can think on your feet will impress the interviewers.
