At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create fresh, seasonal menus.
- Company: Rockwater, an exciting beachside hospitality destination in Hove.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, staff discounts, and career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity for creative input and development in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant venue focused on great food and unforgettable experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef with leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Join the kitchen at one of the South Coast’s most exciting hospitality destinations. At Rockwater, the beach is our backdrop and community is at the heart of everything we do. From early morning coffees and sea swims to sunset cocktails, live music, packed terraces and busy dinner services, Rockwater brings people together through food, atmosphere and experience.
We’re looking for a talented, hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen in Hove, someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves building strong teams, and is passionate about delivering fresh, seasonal food at consistently high standards. This is a leadership role for a chef with creativity, energy and strong operational experience who wants to be part of a dynamic, growing venue by the sea.
What You’ll Be Doing- Leading and inspiring the kitchen team day-to-day
- Creating fresh, seasonal menus that reflect the Rockwater brand
- Driving consistently high food quality and presentation
- Managing stock, ordering, GP and labour costs
- Maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards
- Delivering smooth service across busy restaurant, terrace and event operations
- Training, mentoring and developing the wider kitchen team
- Working closely with front-of-house and senior management to create exceptional guest experiences
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
- A confident leader who brings positivity and energy to the kitchen
- Strong organisational and kitchen management skills
- Experience in high-volume, quality-led hospitality environments
- Passion for seasonal ingredients and modern dining
- Solid understanding of food cost control and kitchen operations
- Calm under pressure with a hands-on approach to service
- Experience within premium casual dining, lifestyle venues or events-led hospitality is a big plus
- Competitive salary package
- Bonus opportunities
- Staff discounts across the venue
- Career progression within a growing hospitality brand
- Creative input and menu development opportunities
- The chance to lead a kitchen in one of Brighton & Hove’s most exciting beachside venues
If you’re ready to lead a busy, ambitious kitchen and be part of a venue that’s all about great food, great people and unforgettable experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Head Chef in Hove employer: Rockwater
At Rockwater, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and inclusive employer, where creativity and passion for food come together in a stunning beachside location. Our team enjoys competitive salaries, bonus opportunities, and staff discounts, alongside a culture that fosters career progression and personal growth. Join us to lead a dynamic kitchen, where your culinary talents will shine and contribute to unforgettable experiences for our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef in Hove
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to venues you admire, like Rockwater, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference and shows your enthusiasm for being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and any culinary social media accounts with your latest achievements and experiences. Make sure to highlight your leadership skills and passion for seasonal ingredients, as these are key for roles like Head Chef.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for modern dining, so share any unique dishes or concepts you've developed in the past!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in managing and inspiring others. Share examples of how you've built strong teams and maintained a positive kitchen atmosphere in your previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We’re looking for someone with solid operational experience, so don’t hold back on the details! Talk about your time in high-volume environments, your understanding of food cost control, and how you’ve maintained high standards under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rockwater
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Rockwater’s style and ethos. Research their current menu and think about how you can bring your own creativity to it. Be ready to discuss seasonal ingredients and how you would approach menu development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led a kitchen in the past. Think about times when you’ve trained or mentored staff, and be ready to share those stories to demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality
Rockwater values high food quality and presentation. Be prepared to talk about your experience in maintaining these standards, especially in high-volume settings. Share specific examples of how you’ve ensured quality control in your previous roles.
✨Be Ready for a Practical Test
Given the hands-on nature of this role, expect a practical test during the interview process. Brush up on your cooking skills and be prepared to showcase your ability to create dishes under pressure. This is your chance to shine and show them what you can do!
