At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional dishes that delight our customers.
- Company: Join Trading Post Coffee Roasters, a passionate independent coffee company.
- Benefits: Enjoy free coffee, discounts, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values quality, hospitality, and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape a vibrant kitchen culture while developing future culinary leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28575 - 34925 £ per year.
Join the Team at Trading Post Coffee Roasters
At Trading Post Coffee Roasters, coffee is at the heart of everything we do.
As an independent, specialty coffee company, we’re passionate about sourcing, roasting and serving exceptional coffee whilst creating memorable experiences for every guest.
Alongside our specialty coffee, our kitchens play a vital role in delivering fresh, high-quality food that keeps customers coming back.
We believe great food starts with great people, which is why we invest in developing our teams through training, coaching and genuine opportunities to grow.
If you’re an experienced kitchen leader who enjoys developing people, maintaining exceptional standards and creating consistently great food, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer
Joining Trading Post means becoming part of a team that values quality, hospitality and continuous learning.
We offer
- Free coffee and food whilst on shift
- 50% employee discount on food and drink at every Trading Post Coffee House
- Discounts on our specialty coffee beans and retail products
- Discounts across Beachfront Leisure venues
- Birthday Gift Card for every team member
- Free access to mental health and financial wellbeing support
- Company pension scheme
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Ongoing leadership and culinary development
- Clear internal career progression opportunities
We believe great people deserve great opportunities. That’s why we invest in developing our teams and creating careers, not just jobs.
About the Role
As Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you’ll lead the heart of our kitchen operation.
You’ll be responsible for creating an environment where quality, consistency and teamwork thrive.
From developing your team and maintaining food safety standards to managing stock and delivering exceptional dishes, you’ll ensure every plate leaving the kitchen reflects the quality Trading Post is known for.
This role is about much more than cooking.
It’s about leading people, building an engaged kitchen team and creating a culture where everyone takes pride in delivering outstanding food.
A Day in the Life
As Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you’ll
- Lead and inspire your kitchen team throughout every service.
- Prepare and oversee the delivery of consistently high-quality food.
- Coach, train and develop chefs and kitchen team members.
- Plan rotas and manage labour effectively to support the needs of the business.
- Manage stock levels, ordering and supplier deliveries to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
- Ensure food safety, cleanliness and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.
- Monitor food quality, presentation and consistency across every service.
- Work closely with the General Manager to support commercial performance and achieve business objectives.
- Create a positive, organised and supportive kitchen culture where people enjoy coming to work.
- What Success Looks Like
In this role, you’ll
- Lead a motivated, well-organised and high-performing kitchen team.
- Deliver consistently exceptional food that exceeds customer expectations.
- Maintain outstanding food hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Develop your team through regular coaching, feedback and support.
- Manage food costs, stock and labour efficiently while maintaining quality.
- Build a kitchen culture based on teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensure every service runs smoothly, even during busy trading periods.
- Be recognised as a trusted leader who supports both your team and the wider Coffee House.
- Who We're Looking For
You’ll thrive in this role if you
- Have previous experience leading a busy kitchen.
- Enjoy developing and motivating people.
- Lead with confidence, professionalism and integrity.
- Stay calm and organised under pressure.
- Take pride in delivering consistently high standards.
- Have excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Take ownership of challenges and actively look for solutions.
- Are passionate about fresh food and exceptional hospitality.
- Previous experience
We’re looking for someone with
- Experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or Senior Sous Chef.
- Strong people management and coaching skills.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and kitchen compliance.
- Experience managing food costs, stock control and labour.
- The ability to plan, prioritise and lead a busy kitchen operation.
Bonus points if you have
- Experience working in a fresh-food environment.
- Experience supporting menu development or seasonal changes.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- A passion for developing future kitchen leaders.
- Career Development
At Trading Post, we believe our leaders should continue learning throughout their careers.
As Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you’ll continue developing your leadership, operational and commercial skills through structured coaching, leadership development and ongoing support.
Whether your ambition is to lead larger operations, mentor future chefs or contribute to wider food development across the business, we’ll help you build the experience and confidence to achieve your goals.
Our Culture
We’re proud of the culture we’ve built.
We’re passionate about coffee, but we’re equally passionate about people.
We work hard, support one another, celebrate success and believe that every team member contributes to creating exceptional experiences for our guests.
As Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you’ll help shape that culture by building a kitchen where people feel supported, challenged and inspired to do their best work every day.
We’re looking for leaders who set high standards whilst creating an environment built on trust, teamwork and continuous development.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
Trading Post Coffee Roasters is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected and able to thrive.
We want every candidate to have the best possible experience, so if there’s anything we can do to support you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know.
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Head Chef in Eastbourne employer: Trading Post – Eastbourne
At Trading Post Coffee Roasters, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values quality, hospitality, and continuous learning. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering ongoing leadership development and clear career progression opportunities. With benefits like free coffee and food during shifts, discounts across our venues, and a commitment to mental health support, we create an environment where every team member can thrive and take pride in delivering outstanding experiences for our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Eastbourne
✨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 Trading Post – Eastbourne. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Trading Post – Eastbourne
Don't be shy about reaching out to Trading Post – Eastbourne 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 in Eastbourne
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 Trading Post – Eastbourne 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 Trading Post – Eastbourne
✨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!
