At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create fresh, seasonal menus.
- Company: Join Rockwater, a vibrant hospitality destination by the beach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, staff discounts, and career progression.
- Other info: Thriving environment with opportunities for creative input and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team delivering exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef with leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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
Senior Head Chef employer: Rockwater
At Rockwater, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and inclusive employer, situated in the stunning coastal town of Hove. Our dynamic work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing our team to thrive in a fast-paced environment while delivering exceptional dining experiences. With competitive salaries, career progression opportunities, and the chance to lead a passionate kitchen team, we offer a rewarding workplace where your culinary talents can shine against the backdrop of the beautiful South Coast.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef
✨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 to reach out for a chat over coffee. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨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 demonstrate your creativity and passion for seasonal ingredients.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job listings to pop up. Reach out directly to venues you admire, like Rockwater, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference and shows you’re genuinely keen to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the venue’s menu and ethos. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. And remember, we love seeing candidates who are passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences, so let that shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create amazing dishes that reflect the Rockwater brand.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and developed your kitchen teams in the past, and how you plan to bring that energy to Rockwater.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to know about your previous roles, especially if you've worked in high-volume, quality-led environments. Detail your achievements in managing stock, costs, and maintaining high food safety standards to show us you're the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your passion and commitment to joining the Rockwater family!
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 current menu and their approach to seasonal ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you would innovate or enhance their offerings while staying true to their brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on how you inspire and motivate others, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients
Talk about your love for seasonal produce and how it influences your cooking. Share specific experiences where you’ve sourced local ingredients or created dishes that highlight fresh flavours, showing your commitment to quality.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
Expect questions about managing stock, food costs, and maintaining hygiene standards. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively managed these aspects in previous roles.
