At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen, preparing fresh dishes and managing staff in a vibrant bistro.
- Company: Join a new contemporary coffee bar and bistro with a friendly atmosphere and outdoor seating.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pay rate, flexible hours, and opportunities for extra shifts and pop-up events.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting opening, showcase your culinary skills, and innovate in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, strong leadership skills, and a passion for homemade sauces are essential.
- Other info: Rota-based hours with potential for permanent shifts; interviews on 28th-29th August 2025.
Location: Gornalwood Dudley
All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.
Start date: Monday 22nd September 2025
Grand opening date: Saturday 27th September 2025
Pay rate: £15 to £16 per hour DOE
Permanent role
Working hours: Rota basis from 7.30am – 4pm or 8am – 4.30pm for open and close downs.
Full time 40 hours per week
My client is opening a is a new contemporary coffee Bar and Bistro with a warm welcome, friendly atmosphere, whilst serving speciality coffees, organic teas, freshly cooked breakfast, brunch and lunch. Can sit 30 people inside and 30 more outside in our dog friendly garden.
We are looking for a head chef/kitchen manager who is creative, motivated, passionate, quick thinking and adaptable with experience kitchen know how and can bring new, quirky, fresh ideas.
They need to have a passion for culinary excellence and strong leadership skills.
We would expect them to:
Prepare, cook, and present fresh food and sauces (hollandaise, sriracha, mayonnaise etc) daily that meets specs and customer expectations, each and every time.
Maintain hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen to help guarantee the safety of your entire team and visitors.
Communicate clearly with your team in order to provide high-quality meals to customers on time.
Supervise and manage kitchen staff, including motivating and inspiring others, whilst keeping up to date with hygiene standards, and administrative tasks.
Be creative to innovate new dishes, be creative for \’specials\’, presentations and keep up to date with new products, menus, and promotions, especially within the food industry.
Maintenance of all walk in coolers, storage areas and monitor daily food production.
Willingness to get stuck in, learn new skills and help out in different areas when needed. Qualification\’s expected:
Sauces homemade is a must as these are our signature dishes.
ideally Level 2 food and hygiene.
ideally allergen awareness Interview process
Interviews will be conducted on Thursday 28th to Friday 29th August 2025
Additional information
Rota basis with assistant chef between one week Monday to Friday and other week Tuesday to Saturday unless they wanted to do permanent Tuesday to Saturday.
Opening times: 8am -4pm
Extra hours available
Pop up evenings: once a month and bank holidays will also be on a rota with assistant chef
Chef employer: Starting Point Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Starting Point Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest culinary trends and techniques, especially in sauces, as this role emphasises homemade signature dishes. Being able to discuss innovative ideas during your interview will show your passion and creativity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've motivated and inspired kitchen staff in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to manage a team effectively in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the specific types of food and beverages that the bistro plans to serve. Being knowledgeable about their menu can help you suggest unique dish ideas that align with their vision during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining hygiene standards and safety regulations in the kitchen. Providing concrete examples of how you've ensured compliance in past positions will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the expectations and responsibilities of the head chef/kitchen manager position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV reflects your culinary experience, particularly in preparing sauces and managing kitchen staff. Highlight any creative dishes or specials you've developed in previous roles to demonstrate your innovation.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for culinary excellence and leadership. Mention specific examples of how you've maintained hygiene standards and motivated your team in past positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starting Point Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, make sure to express your love for cooking and culinary excellence. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or unique ideas you have for the menu. This will demonstrate your creativity and passion for the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
As a head chef, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing kitchen staff, motivating your team, and ensuring high standards. Use examples from previous roles to illustrate how you've successfully led a team.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of hygiene in the kitchen, be ready to talk about your knowledge of food safety regulations and how you maintain these standards. Mention any relevant qualifications, like Level 2 food hygiene, to reinforce your commitment to safety.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical skills, such as how you would handle busy service times or create a new dish. Think about scenarios you might face in the role and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your quick thinking and adaptability.