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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create delicious, memorable dishes for various events.
- Company: Historic country inn with a warm, family-run atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, career growth, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Combine your culinary creativity with leadership in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and be part of a meaningful legacy since 1838.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're looking for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen at the historic Spread Eagle in Sawley - a bustling country inn known for hearty pub classics, seasonal menus, and memorable events. As Head Chef, you'll work closely with the General Manager and play a key role in shaping the kitchen's success. You'll oversee the full kitchen operation, from day-to-day service to bespoke weddings and private events hosted in our beautiful function spaces. This is an exciting opportunity to combine your culinary creativity with strong operational leadership in a supportive, people-first environment.
Responsibilities
- Deliver consistently high-quality food that exceeds guest expectations
- Design and deliver menus for a variety of occasions, including weddings, private events, and seasonal celebrations
- Manage all aspects of kitchen profitability, including ordering, stock control, and waste management
- Ensure impeccable hygiene and safety standards, fully compliant with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations
- Lead by example and foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing kitchen team
- Recruit, train, and mentor your kitchen brigade to help them grow and succeed
Are you a passionate and experienced Head Chef looking for the next step in your career? Would you thrive in a smaller, independent business where your voice is valued and your ideas are heard? Do you have a strong background in high-volume, food-led traditional inns and the leadership skills to manage and develop a large kitchen team?
The Spread Eagle is part of a family-run business with a heritage dating back to 1838. We're proud of our warm hospitality, loyal customer base, and talented team who bring our values to life every day. We're not just offering a job – we're offering a place to grow, be heard, and be part of something meaningful.
Benefits
- Competitive salary & performance-based bonus
- Staff accommodation if required
- 25% employee discount on food, drink & accommodation
- 50% off food during shifts
- Exclusive discounts at over 800 retailers
- 28 days paid annual leave
- Career growth & personal development opportunities
- Access to fully funded apprenticeships for your team
- Wellbeing & mental health support programmes
- Healthcare cash plan for dental, optical & medical treatments
- Chef Whites provided
- Well-equipped kitchens with top-tier tools
Head Chef employer: Spread Eagle
Contact Detail:
Spread Eagle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your desired role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary creativity. This not only gives you a chance to demonstrate your talent but also helps you build a following and get noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like the Spread Eagle. Send them a message expressing your interest and share your vision for their kitchen. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Consider taking a short course or workshop to enhance your skills. This not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more attractive candidate when applying through our website.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see your personality and creativity come alive on the page.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Head Chef role at the Spread Eagle. Highlight your experience with high-volume kitchens and any events you've managed. This will show us that you're the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on your key achievements and skills. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great addition to our kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spread Eagle
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes the Spread Eagle serves. Be ready to discuss how you would design seasonal menus and cater for events like weddings. Show your culinary creativity and how it aligns with their offerings.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, focusing on recruitment, training, and fostering a positive work environment. Highlight your ability to inspire and mentor others.
✨Showcase Your Operational Savvy
Be prepared to discuss your experience with kitchen profitability, including stock control and waste management. Bring specific examples of how you’ve improved efficiency and reduced costs in previous roles. This will show that you understand the business side of running a kitchen.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Standards
Make sure you can talk confidently about food safety and hygiene regulations. Share your experiences ensuring compliance in past kitchens and how you maintain high standards. This is crucial for any Head Chef role, especially in a busy pub environment.
