At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, ensuring top-notch food quality and team motivation.
- Company: Join Rok, a dynamic restaurant with stunning coastal views and a passion for great food.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, four-day work week, and exciting staff parties.
- Other info: Be part of a growing independent hospitality group with real career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your kitchen and unleash your creativity in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading a busy kitchen and a passion for food excellence.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
We’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef to take the lead in the kitchen at Rok. Perched above Bracelet Bay with incredible views across the coast, Rok is a restaurant with a big personality, a brilliant location and a real focus on great food. We’re looking for someone who gets excited about food, takes pride in every plate leaving the kitchen and knows how to bring the best out of a team.
You’ll have the freedom to lead your kitchen, develop your people and work closely with our wider food and operations team to keep evolving what we do at Rok.
What you'll be doing
As Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the day to day running of the Rok kitchen. You’ll lead from the front, setting the standard for food quality, presentation and consistency while building a kitchen culture that is organised, positive and enjoyable to work in. You’ll develop and motivate your team and make sure everyone understands the standards we’re working towards. You’ll have a good knowledge of food costs and GP to labour, ordering, stock and waste; you’ll understand that running a great kitchen is as much about the commercial side as it is about the food. You’ll work closely with the General Manager and our Head of Food and Drink, with plenty of opportunity to contribute ideas and influence the direction of the food at Rok.
We think you'll be someone who...
- Lives and breathes food and genuinely cares about what leaves the pass.
- Has strong experience leading a busy, quality focused kitchen.
- Is creative, but understands that consistency matters just as much as new ideas.
- Leads from the front and stays calm when service gets busy.
- Knows how to motivate and retain a brilliant kitchen team.
- Is commercially switched on and comfortable managing labour, GP, stock and waste.
- Has high standards for yourself, your food and your team.
- And importantly, you’re someone people actually enjoy working with.
Why Rok?
Rok is part of The Secret Hospitality Group, an independent, family run hospitality group born and built in Swansea. We want our Head Chefs to feel ownership over their kitchens. You’ll have the autonomy to lead, the opportunity to contribute creatively and the backing of an experienced wider team across food, operations, HR and finance. We’re growing, we’re ambitious and we want great people to grow with us.
The package
- £50,000 including service charge
- Full time, permanent position
- Four day working week
- Christmas Day off every year
- Two legendary, all expenses paid Secret Hospitality Group staff parties every year
- Staff food while working
- Generous employee discounts across The Secret Hospitality Group
- Genuine opportunities to develop and progress within a growing independent hospitality group
- Support from an experienced senior food and operations team
- And a pretty unbeatable place to come to work every day
If you’re an experienced Head Chef who wants more than simply running someone else’s kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Swansea employer: Rok
Rok is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Mumbles, where luxury hospitality meets a supportive team environment. Employees benefit from competitive pay, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to be part of an award-winning restaurant that values creativity and excellence in service. Join us at Swansea's No.1 restaurant and elevate your career in a dynamic setting that celebrates both individual talent and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Swansea
✨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 Rok. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Rok
Don't be shy about reaching out to Rok 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 Swansea
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 Rok 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 Rok
✨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!
