At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences with seasonal, local ingredients.
- Company: Join Petworth Places, a vibrant hospitality business in beautiful West Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative freedom, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on creativity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Shape the culinary landscape and make your mark in a destination restaurant.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management, budget handling, and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
About Petworth Places
Petworth Places trading as Market Town Developments Ltd is made up of several teams of dedicated people building a destination hospitality and food and beverage business with Stay, Eat, Visit at the heart of the business.
Our core businesses are located in the beautiful South Downs market town of Petworth, West Sussex, and the historic market town of West Malling in Kent.
Responsibilities
The Head Chef will be responsible for
Strategic Business Development
- Have a clear vision of how to create destination restaurants with a wonderful dining experience, and to be able to execute all aspects of the vision.
- Create a pricing policy which enhances GPs and reflects the excellence of the food but ensures take-up and profitability.
Create seasonal menus using local and sustainable produce which will bring to life our restaurants, exciting our guests with fresh and tantalising dishes.
- Have a wide understanding of the hospitality industry and food; keep abreast of trends and new methods, and keep ahead in the industry.
- Collaborate with relevant teams on beverage selection and management to enhance menu choices, drive up-sell and complete the overall experience in the restaurants.
- Create culinary experiences on line and in restaurant and at other group venues to deliver exceptional food and strengthen the brand.
Menu Development
- Create menus that reflect the vision of the restaurant, and produce a consistently high-level output; ensure they are in step with local demographic needs and also attract a wider audience to Petworth for a destination restaurant.
- Source local and exceptional ingredients (both in-house and 3rd party), create good working relationships with suppliers and control GPs against target in the kitchens.
People Management
- Staff the kitchens with the people who have the right skills, training and development to become part of world-class teams and support the Restaurant Manager to deliver excellence every day to every customer.
- Scout for local and national talent to bring into the kitchens and enhance the team.
- Keep Food Safety and Hygiene as a core discipline in the kitchen; have proven experience in this area and a real desire to adhere to all legislative requirements.
- Support in managing the daily responsibilities of kitchen team.
- Support in managing the annual food and consumable budget ensuring this is tracked and spent accordingly.
Desired Qualifications / Skills
- Efficient time management and organisational skills, and the ability to multitask.
- Attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage budgets.
- Professional and proactive work ethic.
- High competence in project and stakeholder management.
- Understanding of luxury market.
- Strong B2C experience, especially working in complex markets and being able to simplify.
- Excellent understanding of using audience understanding and data to shape, influence, amend and optimise plans.
- Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Other Important Traits
Just as important as the technical requirements of the job are the less tangible elements that will help the right candidate achieve outstanding results:
- Passion for food, quality ingredients, and travel.
- Interest in heritage, culture, craftsmanship, and artisanal excellence.
- Leadership and demonstrable teamwork skills.
- Friendly and accommodating manner, with excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- A good balance between strategic planning and hands-on delivery.
- Creative ‘outside of the box’ thinking.
- Ability to influence at a senior level to secure strategic partnerships.
- Diplomacy to have difficult conversations as needed.
Head Chef - The Angel Inn in Petworth employer: Petworth Places
At Petworth Places, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture that empowers our culinary team to excel. As a Lead Sous Chef at The Angel Inn, you will benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a commitment to quality ingredients, and the chance to lead a passionate team in a picturesque location. Join us for a rewarding career where your skills and creativity can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - The Angel Inn in Petworth
✨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 Petworth Places. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Petworth Places
Don't be shy about reaching out to Petworth Places 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 Head Chef - The Angel Inn in Petworth
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 Petworth Places 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 Petworth Places
✨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!
