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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create memorable dining experiences.
- Company: Join Rick Stein Fistral, an iconic coastal restaurant evolving into a social beach-bar destination.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, progression pathways, and creative input into menus and events.
- Why this job: Shape a new chapter for a beloved brand while working in a stunning beach location.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a leadership role within quality-led hospitality.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on food, drink, and guest satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fistral is entering an exciting new era as we evolve into a more drinks-led, social, beach-bar inspired destination. To support this next phase, we’re reshaping our leadership team across both Kitchen and Front of House, and we’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to help bring this new vision to life. If you thrive in fast-paced, vibrant environments, love creating memorable guest experiences, and are passionate about developing teams, we’d love to hear from you.
As Head Chef / Kitchen Manager, you will lead the kitchen operation, setting the standard for food quality, pace, consistency, and team culture. You’ll play a key role in shaping menus, supporting the venue’s new social dining style, and working closely with Front of House to deliver an outstanding guest experience. You’ll be a visible, hands-on leader who inspires your brigade, drives performance, and ensures the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and commercially.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing kitchen team
- Deliver consistent, high-quality food aligned to Fistral’s new concept
- Play an active role in menu development, specials, and seasonal dishes
- Control food margins, labour costs, and kitchen budgets
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and HACCP
- Recruit, train, and retain talented chefs
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional kitchen culture
- Work collaboratively with the General Manager and FOH leadership team
- Maintain strong supplier relationships and ordering processes
- Drive continuous improvement across standards, systems, and service
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Kitchen Leader in a quality-led hospitality business
- A genuine passion for food, drink, and guest experience
- Strong leadership and people-development skills
- Commercially minded with experience managing GP, labour, and performance
- Excellent communication and organisational ability
- Calm, confident, and structured under pressure
- A hands-on leader who leads from the front
- Commitment to building inclusive, engaged, and high-performing teams
- Excited by change and the opportunity to shape a new chapter for the venue
What you’ll get:
- The opportunity to influence a growing and evolving brand
- Creative input into menus, drinks, events, and guest experience
- Support from ambitious board directors and senior leadership
- Competitive salary plus progression pathway
- Development opportunities within Rick Stein Restaurants
- A chance to be part of an iconic coastal business entering an exciting new phase
If you’re ready to take the lead in a people-focused, quality-driven restaurant and make a real impact, apply now and join Rick Stein Restaurants.
Rick Stein Fistral is casual and laid-back serving Rick’s famous fish & chips as well as Indian takeaway with dishes inspired by Rick’s travels. Perfectly positioned overlooking Fistral beach and bustling with hungry visitors.
Head Chef in Dorking employer: The Rick Stein Group
Contact Detail:
The Rick Stein Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Dorking
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by Fistral and soak up the vibe. Chat with the staff, check out the menu, and understand what makes this place tick. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their exciting new chapter.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed your kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve created a positive kitchen culture. They want to see that you can inspire others while keeping things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss menu ideas! Since Fistral is evolving into a more social dining experience, come prepared with some creative concepts or seasonal dishes that align with their vision. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role but also excited about contributing to their new direction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your passion for the role right from the start. Let’s make sure your journey to becoming Head Chef at Fistral starts off on the right foot!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Dorking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and guest experiences shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created memorable dining moments in the past – we want to see that enthusiasm!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and developed your kitchen brigade, and how you foster a positive team culture.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills, making it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit for this role at Fistral.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rick Stein Group
✨Know the Venue Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Fistral thoroughly. Understand their new vision as a drinks-led, social beach-bar inspired destination. Familiarise yourself with their menu offerings and think about how you can contribute to their evolving concept.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to motivating and developing a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture and driven performance in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food and Guest Experience
Express your genuine love for food and drink during the interview. Talk about memorable guest experiences you've created and how you plan to enhance the dining experience at Fistral. This will show that you align with their focus on quality and guest satisfaction.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about managing food margins, labour costs, and kitchen budgets. Prepare some examples of how you've successfully controlled these aspects in previous positions. Being able to discuss your commercial mindset will impress the interviewers.
