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- Tasks: Lead a high-energy kitchen, ensuring top-notch food quality and team performance.
- Company: Premium dining venue in Central London with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and 50% off at venues.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and support for mental wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the menu and lead a passionate team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as Head Chef in high-volume, quality-focused settings.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
What's in it for the successful Head Chef?
- Salary £60,000 – £65,000 per annum
- Performance bonus up to £20,000
- Monthly bonus
- 50% off across the group's venues
- Industry-leading training and development
- Access to free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support
- An independent culture where your ideas genuinely matter
- Real backing from senior leadership for the food programme
- Scope to shape the menu and the team around you
Tonic are pleased to partner with our client to recruit a Head Chef for their premium venue in Central London. This is a high-volume, high-energy kitchen that takes its food seriously — thousands of covers a week, but with standards that never slip. You'll take full ownership of the kitchen operations, leading a senior management team and being accountable for food quality, GP delivery, labour costs, and compliance. This isn't a role for someone who wants to be left alone to cook — it's for a leader who thrives on building great teams and running a tight, professional operation.
What are we looking for from Head Chef candidates?
- Proven Head Chef experience in a high-volume, quality-led environment
- Background in premium casual dining highly desirable
- Financially literate — comfortable owning GP targets and labour cost management
- A genuine people developer with strong staff retention track record
- Organised, disciplined and uncompromising on food safety and H&S compliance
- Natural leader who leads by example and sets the standard on the pass
If you are interested in this role or would like to find out more, get in touch with the team at Tonic today.
Head Chef in Southampton employer: Tonic - Talent in Hospitality
Contact Detail:
Tonic - Talent in Hospitality Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or venues you admire and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to get your application noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about the quality of the dishes you create.
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 built great teams in the past and how you motivate others. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop their staff.
Be Financially Savvy: Don’t shy away from discussing your financial acumen. Mention your experience with GP targets and labour cost management. We need to know you can handle the numbers while maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored to this specific role. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. And remember, applying through our website is the best way to get noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tonic - Talent in Hospitality
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head Chef, you'll need to be financially savvy. Brush up on your knowledge of GP targets and labour cost management before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leading a team, so think about examples that highlight your leadership skills. Prepare to share stories about how you've developed staff and built strong teams in high-pressure environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality
With a focus on high-volume, quality-led dining, it's crucial to convey your passion for food. Bring along ideas for menu items or improvements you've implemented in the past to show you’re proactive and innovative.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real kitchen scenarios. Think about how you would handle challenges like staffing issues or maintaining food safety standards under pressure. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident.