Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Turtle Bay

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious Caribbean dishes.
  • Company: Turtle Bay, a lively Caribbean kitchen and beach bar.
  • Benefits: Great pay, 50% restaurant discount, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Join us to inspire others and share your passion for food and culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous with leadership skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on wellbeing and career progression.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We’re on the lookout for an inspiring, passionate and people-focused Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Turtle Bay in Plymouth.

Who We Are

Turtle Bay is all about introducing you to that carefree, island way of life. A Caribbean kitchen and beach bar where the food, drinks and music flow from morning 'til night. Everyone invited. Our team can tell if you need coffee, cocktail, cold beer or plate of cutters full of flavour. And our people serve up the magic and warmth of the Caribbean every day, so that everyone feels relaxed and welcome here. We’re here to create genuine connections and put people at ease. By welcoming guests with our natural hosting skills and unpretentious atmosphere. We bring people together. Strangers become friends and the bartender knows you by name. Were lunch drifts into sundowners.

What We’re All About

We live by the spirit of One Love – a universal love and acceptance of all people. At Turtle Bay, we celebrate individuality, recognise differences and make it easy for people to be themselves. We take inspiration from the Caribbean culture – the music, the food, the drink, and of course those chilled out vibes.

Our Rewards

  • Great pay and excellent rewards
  • Various team events and team rewards
  • Progression with excellent training and opportunities, both professionally and personally with our mentorship programmes
  • Apprenticeship opportunities – supporting you to achieve Level
  • Enhanced family leave pay
  • 50% discount at our restaurant for you and up to 6 friends
  • Access to Help @ Hand app – offering remote GP services, prescriptions, mental health support and physiotherapy support for you and your family
  • Wellbeing is a focus for us with our Mental Health First Aid training and 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
  • Loyalty bonuses
  • Relocation package opportunities
  • Referral bonus schemes – giving you the opportunity to earn up to £1,000 for successful referrals

About the Role

As Head Chef at Turtle Bay, you’ll be the heartbeat of the kitchen – leading with passion, purpose and a love for bold, soulful Caribbean flavours. You’ll bring the energy, confidence and calm leadership that keeps everything running smoothly – even in the heat of a busy service. You’ll take full ownership of the kitchen: managing stock, rota planning, training and development, health and safety standards, and of course, the quality and consistency of the food we serve. You’ll empower your team to deliver dishes that are full of flavour and cooked with love – every time. This role is about much more than just cooking – it’s about building a kitchen culture where everyone feels valued, supported and proud of what they do. You’ll mentor and grow your team, spotting talent and helping others rise through the ranks just like you did. We’re looking for someone who’s hands‑on, solutions‑focused and confident in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll be passionate about food and people, and you’ll care deeply about delivering a relaxed, feel‑good guest experience every time. If you’re a Head Chef ready for a new adventure, or a strong Senior Sous ready to step up, Turtle Bay is the perfect place to grow, thrive and lead your own kitchen with freedom and flair.

Next Steps

Hit the apply button, upload your CV and answer a couple of quick questions. One of our friendly Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch with you soon.

Head Chef employer: Turtle Bay

At Turtle Bay, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and fosters genuine connections among our team. As the Head Chef in Plymouth, you'll enjoy competitive pay, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive environment that prioritises your wellbeing and professional growth. With unique benefits like a generous employee discount, relocation packages, and a focus on mental health support, Turtle Bay is the ideal place for passionate culinary leaders to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Turtle Bay

Contact Detail:

Turtle Bay Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the vibe of Turtle Bay! Before your interview, dive into their Caribbean culture and understand what makes them tick. This way, you can show off your passion for food and people, and how you fit right into their laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with the team, share examples of how you've empowered your kitchen crew in the past. Highlight your ability to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to whip up those bold, soulful dishes.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to talk about your culinary journey! Share your experiences, challenges, and successes in the kitchen. This is your chance to connect with the interviewers on a personal level and demonstrate your passion for cooking and mentoring others.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by inquiring about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they celebrate individuality. This not only helps you gauge if it’s the right fit but also shows that you’re genuinely excited about joining the Turtle Bay family.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership
Passion for Food
Team Management
Stock Management
Rota Planning
Training and Development
Health and Safety Standards
Quality Control
Mentoring
Problem-Solving
Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability
Guest Experience Focus
Culinary Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and the Caribbean vibe shine through. We want to see that you’re not just about cooking, but about creating an experience that brings people together.

Be Yourself: At Turtle Bay, we celebrate individuality! Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Share your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to leading a kitchen team.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you empower others and create a positive kitchen culture where everyone feels valued.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to hit that apply button on our website! It’s the easiest way for us to get your application and for you to join the Turtle Bay family. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our vibrant team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Turtle Bay

✨Know Your Caribbean Flavours

Before the interview, brush up on Caribbean cuisine and Turtle Bay's menu. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would put your own spin on them. This shows your passion for the food and your understanding of the brand.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored staff in the past. Highlight your ability to create a positive kitchen culture where everyone feels valued.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Think of scenarios where you've faced challenges in a busy kitchen. Be ready to share how you handled those situations calmly and effectively. This will show that you're solutions-focused and can thrive under pressure.

✨Emphasise Guest Experience

Turtle Bay values a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Prepare to discuss how you ensure a great guest experience through your cooking and leadership. Share any ideas you have for enhancing the dining experience at Turtle Bay.

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