Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional seafood dishes.
- Company: Join Rockfish, a top-rated seafood restaurant chain with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous tips, 28 days holiday, and a company pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a beautiful coastal town while growing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: At least one year of Head Chef experience in a restaurant environment.
- Other info: Enjoy training opportunities and a supportive, inclusive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 44000 £ per year.
Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks, founder and CEO of the unique seafood business that catches, processes, and serves local seafood at 10 locations in the Southwest, is seeking a talented chef with a passion for leadership, sustainability, and career progression. The salary for this role is £39k per annum basic salary, up to £44k when including tronc, gratuities and overtime.
The role involves overseeing a team of chefs, ensuring food is prepared to a high standard, and building strong relationships with the front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional service to all guests. Responsibilities include managing stock effectively to minimise wastage and control labour in line with budgets, ensuring financial KPIs are met, and coaching the team to fulfil their full potential while embracing our core values: ‘Care, Community and Connection’.
As a Head Chef you will:
- Cook exceptional dishes using the freshest seafood.
- Lead the service and mentor a talented kitchen team.
- Ensure every plate meets our Rockfish standards.
- Manage resources to minimise waste and control costs.
- Collaborate with the front-of-house team to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.
What We Offer
Pay & Perks
- Competitive salary + paid overtime (with a focus on work-life balance).
- Generous share of gratuities and tips, distributed via Tip Jar.
- Generous Refer-a-friend bonus.
- Company pension scheme to support your future.
Time to Recharge
- 28 days holiday, plus your birthday off.
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day off every year.
- Winter working patterns with full pay.
- 4-week paid sabbatical after 10 years service.
Health & Wellbeing
- 24/7 access to wellbeing services, including counselling, financial and legal advice.
Discounts & Rewards
- 50% off dining at all Rockfish restaurants.
- Access to Rockfish paddleboards to use on your break time!
- Competitions and incentives.
Training & Career Growth
- Training in wine, health & safety, and food safety.
- Clear paths for career progression – we’re always looking for our next Area Head Chef!
At Rockfish, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. Ready to Make Waves? Bring your passion and culinary expertise to Rockfish. Apply now!
Head Chef in Exeter employer: Rockfish Exeter
Contact Detail:
Rockfish Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or even suppliers in the seafood industry. You never know who might have a lead on your dream Head Chef position at Rockfish!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a video showcasing your cooking techniques. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Rockfish’s values and menu. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to sustainability and exceptional service. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about our mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Rockfish family and making waves in the culinary world!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seafood: When writing your application, let your love for seafood shine through! Share any experiences you have with local seafood or sustainable practices. We want to see that you're as excited about our mission as we are!
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 inspired and coached your team in the past – we’re all about growth and development here at Rockfish!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific dishes you've created or challenges you've overcome in the kitchen. This helps us understand your culinary style and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the amazing opportunities we have at Rockfish. Let’s make waves together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rockfish Exeter
✨Know Your Seafood
As a Head Chef, your knowledge of seafood is crucial. Brush up on the types of fish and shellfish you’ll be working with, their sustainability, and how to prepare them. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to Rockfish's values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired your team or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you can manage and motivate the chefs at Rockfish.
✨Understand Financial Management
Familiarise yourself with managing stock and controlling costs. Be ready to discuss how you’ve previously minimised waste and met financial KPIs. This shows that you’re not just a great chef, but also a savvy manager who can contribute to the business’s success.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Rockfish values strong relationships between the kitchen and front-of-house teams. Prepare to talk about how you’ve worked collaboratively in the past to enhance the dining experience. This will highlight your ability to create unforgettable experiences for guests.
