At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, create seasonal menus, and oversee food delivery for events.
- Company: Boutique hotel near Canterbury with a focus on quality dining experiences.
- Benefits: Earn £45,000-£50,000 plus monthly service charge and enjoy a beautiful coastal setting.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in an ambitious independent hospitality business.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a varied food operation and shape the future of culinary offerings.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading fresh-food kitchens and strong menu-development skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Earn £45,000-£50,000 plus £300-£400 monthly service charge at a boutique hotel near Canterbury. Are you an experienced kitchen leader ready to take ownership of a varied food operation? This opportunity covers a 20-bedroom, seasonal and event-led business offering restaurant dining, breakfast, afternoon tea, weddings and private celebrations.
What's in it for you?
- £45,000-£50,000 salary, depending on experience
- Approximately £300-£400 service charge per month
- Total annual package worth approximately £48,600-£54,800
- Permanent, full-time position
- Genuine ownership of menus and kitchen standards
- The opportunity to shape the future direction of the food offering
- Fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers
- A varied operation covering dining, weddings and private events
- A beautiful coastal countryside setting near Canterbury
- The opportunity to recruit, develop and lead your own brigade
- A senior position within an ambitious independent hospitality business
Your new role
As Head Chef, you'll take responsibility for the complete culinary operation. Based near Canterbury, you'll lead the 20-bedroom hotel kitchen across daily dining, resident breakfasts, Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, weddings and private functions. The business is highly seasonal and event-led, so you'll need to plan menus, staffing and purchasing effectively around changing demand and busy periods.
You will:
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen brigade
- Create seasonal menus using quality local produce
- Maintain excellent food quality, presentation and consistency
- Oversee restaurant, wedding and event food delivery
- Plan staffing and preparation around seasonal business levels
- Manage food costs, gross profit, labour and kitchen budgets
- Control ordering, stock rotation, wastage and supplier relationships
- Recruit, train and retain kitchen team members
- Maintain excellent food safety, HACCP and allergen standards
- Introduce effective systems and kitchen procedures
- Work closely with the owners and operational team
- Drive guest satisfaction and strengthen the venue's food reputation
What we're looking for
The successful Head Chef will have proven experience leading a fresh-food kitchen within a quality hotel, restaurant or event-led venue. You'll also need:
- Strong seasonal menu-development skills
- Experience delivering restaurant dining, weddings and large events
- Excellent commercial awareness and cost-control knowledge
- Confidence managing food GP, labour and stock
- Experience planning around seasonal peaks and quieter periods
- A hands-on and visible leadership style
- Strong recruitment, training and team-development experience
- Excellent food-safety and allergen knowledge
- Creativity balanced with consistency and commercial discipline
- The ability to remain organised during busy services and events
- The existing right to work in the UK
Experienced Senior Sous Chefs who are ready to take full responsibility for a varied kitchen operation are also encouraged to apply. If this role sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today.
Please contact Bradley Baxendale at Platinum Recruitment for more information.
Head Chef in Whitstable employer: Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
Join our welcoming hotel in Wick as a Housekeeper, where you'll enjoy competitive pay of up to £15 per hour, weekly pay, and the convenience of live-in accommodation. Our supportive work culture prioritises flexibility with daytime shifts and offers opportunities for permanent positions, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful employment in hospitality.
Contact Details:
Platinum Recruitment Consultancy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Whitstable
✨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 Platinum Recruitment Consultancy. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
Don't be shy about reaching out to Platinum Recruitment Consultancy 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 in Whitstable
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 Platinum Recruitment Consultancy 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 Platinum Recruitment Consultancy
✨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!
