At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team, creating fresh, high-quality dishes daily.
- Company: Join a vibrant hospitality group known for real cooking and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy overtime pay, 50% off food, paid breaks, and a fantastic staff party!
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and career progression in a fast-growing business.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, making customers happy with your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Sous Chef with strong kitchen skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Head Chef - Colchester
You love real cooking. We love real cooking. Customers love real cooking. It\'s a no-brainer so you wonder why so many other places don\'t do it. We do it, and you\'ll be doing it with us - fresh, customer led, and with high-quality ingredients. We also love our real people who run Lounges. The person who runs these brilliant people has to be super-brilliant, and that\'ll be you. Your standards will be as high as ours, but exactly how you do it will be unique to you.
You\'ll be doing it your way. You\'ll be part of a dedicated, supportive team, working from our flexible all-day menu to give people food that\'ll make their day. It\'ll be your responsibility to make each dish to spec, in a clean and safe kitchen, and to make sure all prep and par is completed for each shift. You\'ll be helping every customer leave happy. Which they tend to do. Thanks to your great food.
The Good Stuff
- Overtime pay for every hour worked over contracted hours!
- Staff food on every shift
- 50% off food and drinks (including alcohol) from day one at all three of our brands - Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside
- Paid breaks
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) pro rata
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 2 years service
- The most talked-about staff party in hospitality - Loungefest!
- Competitions and incentives (like jetting off on an all expenses paid trip with one of our suppliers)
- Company pension scheme
- Long service awards
- Power over your pay with Wagestream
- Emotional and practical support via the Licenced Trade Charity
- Great opportunity for personal development and career progression in a fast growing business
- Achievable bonuses
- Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
- Christmas and Boxing Day off!
- You are probably an existing Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or Sous Chef looking for your first step into a Head Chef role.
- You will have experience of working with fresh ingredients and be able to demonstrate good chef/kitchen skills (food prep hot and cold, cleaning, knife skills, good hygiene practices)
- Your work ethic is rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in and leading from the front; playing an active role in delivering excellent kitchen and food standards as part of a high performing team.
- Familiar with managing through clear KPIs and making decisions considering labour; stock; food safety requirements plus others.
- You will have worked in kitchen environments where you\'re required to report on various metrics including GPs; labour/house; food preparation.
- You will have demonstrated successful delivery of training and recruitment for kitchen teams including Apprentices, KPs, Chefs, Junior Sous Chefs and Sous Chefs.
Company
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Head Chef - Colchester employer: SLM COMMUNITY LEISURE CHARITABLE TRUST
At Loungers, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity and passion for real cooking thrive. As a Head Chef in Colchester, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including overtime pay, generous staff discounts, and opportunities for personal development within a rapidly growing business. Join our dedicated team and experience the unique camaraderie that comes with being part of a company that truly values its people and their contributions.
Contact Details:
SLM COMMUNITY LEISURE CHARITABLE TRUST Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Colchester
✨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 SLM COMMUNITY LEISURE CHARITABLE TRUST. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to SLM COMMUNITY LEISURE CHARITABLE TRUST
Don't be shy about reaching out to SLM COMMUNITY LEISURE CHARITABLE TRUST 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 - Colchester
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 SLM COMMUNITY LEISURE CHARITABLE TRUST 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 SLM COMMUNITY LEISURE CHARITABLE TRUST
✨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!
