At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team to create delicious, fresh Mexican dishes.
- Company: Wahaca, a top Mexican restaurant founded by a MasterChef winner.
- Benefits: 70% off food, £100 welcome bonus, and paid sabbaticals every 5 years.
- Other info: Enjoy fun events and a supportive environment that prioritises your growth.
- Why this job: Join us to inspire your team and deliver unforgettable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality leadership and a passion for fresh, seasonal food.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Wahaca is a leading Mexican restaurant in the UK, founded by Thomasina Miers (MasterChef winner) and Mark Selby. Inspired by their time in Mexico, their mission is to show the UK how vibrant and delicious Mexican food is, championing great British produce and sourcing ingredients locally. Rooted in our founders' values, we serve a taste of Mexican sunshine through showing pride, staying humble, choosing integrity, having fun, and thinking positively. With an upbeat atmosphere and chef made dishes, we believe every meal should be an adventure and every guest a friend.
As Head Chef, you bring our food philosophy to life on every plate, setting the tone in the kitchen and building a culture of pride and accountability. We're looking for a hospitality leader who will play a pivotal role in driving our brand standards forward and inspiring their team to deliver a WOW-worthy experience for every guest.
How you’ll drive success:
- Work alongside your General Manager to maintain the highest food safety standards.
- Lead, manage and develop a strong kitchen team including Sous Chef, section chefs, prep chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Inspire and guide your team by leading from the front, always ready to step in and support, ensuring all guests are served up a taste of Mexican sunshine.
- Champion a positive environment and deeply care about your team, supporting their growth and progression.
- A passion for fresh food - our dishes are made from scratch using seasonal ingredients, and you’ll ensure our chefs are fully trained to follow recipes and maintain the highest standards.
- Take ownership for stock control and ordering and confidently manage systems that support daily operations.
People do their best work when they feel looked after inside and outside of work - because when our teams thrive, so do our guests. Creating a supportive, inclusive and energising environment is just as important to us as delivering great food and service.
That’s why we offer a range of great benefits:
- FINANCIAL: 70% off food and 50% off drinks when dining at Wahaca with up to 3 friends, £100 to celebrate your probation in Wahaca, up to £1,000 through friend referrals, quarterly bonus scheme, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption pay, early access to wages, financial support and discounts through Stream.
- HEALTH AND WELLBEING: Free, nutritious meal every time you work, freshly made by our talented chefs, cycle to work scheme, support from our trained Mental Health First Aiders, time off for when needed; like your child’s first day at school, sabbatical - 4 weeks paid off work - every 5 years.
- DEVELOPMENT: Training courses: Mental Health First Aid, Food Safety LV 3., inspirational trips with our co-founders, own development plan - we are committed to growing our people from within.
- SOCIAL: Unwind and turn up the fun at one of our many events across the year such as WOW Fest! Our very own Masterchef and Cocktail competitions. The fun is in your hands with allocated funds and time to drive the fun with your team.
If you’re inspired by what you’ve read and have a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality, we’d be thrilled to have you join our team!
Head Chef employer: Surety Hospitality
Poolhouse in the City of London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises team collaboration and guest satisfaction. With ample opportunities for leadership growth within a large and dynamic hospitality environment, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while enjoying the excitement of a bustling setting. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and excellence in every guest experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 Surety Hospitality. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Surety Hospitality
Don't be shy about reaching out to Surety Hospitality 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
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 Surety Hospitality 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 Surety Hospitality
✨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!
