At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, create seasonal menus, and craft delicious dishes.
- Company: Join Young's, where every pub has its unique vibe and culinary vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy culinary masterclasses and connect with other chefs for inspiration.
- Why this job: Unleash your creativity and make a real impact in a vibrant pub environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with a passion for fresh food.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 57500 £ per year.
We're looking for a head chef for The Huntsman of Brockenhurst. You'll have experience working with fresh food and running all aspects of a kitchen. Our Head Chefs write their own menus and create their own dishes using seasonal produce, allowing them to put their own stamp on the business. You’ll look after team development and work alongside our General Manager to create a fantastic food vision and drive the business forward.
About us: Being a Head Chef at Young's: We believe every pub should be different. This means that you'll be writing your own recipes that match the food vision of your business using fresh seasonal ingredients. The food vision could be all about showcasing local produce, country pub classics, seafood, small plates and sharers, dry‑aged meat – each pub is different and it's up to you as head chef to put your own creative stamp on that vision. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should constantly evolve to showcase these fantastic ingredients when they are at their best. Premium fresh food crafted by skilled chefs in Premium Pubs.
What we offer our Head Chefs:
- Full autonomy to create your own menus and specials
- Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
- Access to regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery and Shellfish
- Access to inspirational food trips with our top quality suppliers
- Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to inspire and develop
- Free meals
- 20% discount in all Young's Pubs and 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
- Share save Scheme
- Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
- 28 Days Holiday per year
What we look for in a Head Chef:
- This role requires someone that can inspire a team, to bring out the potential and lead by example whilst being able to develop, cost and produce fresh seasonal menus for the variety of revenue streams within the business.
- Have experience championing excellent service through quality food either as a Head Chef or in the position of Sous Chef
- Demonstrate a passion for leading and developing a team
- Be an active hands‑on team player with excellent communication skills
- Be responsible and able to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and all health and safety effectively at all times
- Be able to demonstrate your creativity and ability to design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials
- Demonstrate great planning and organisational skills, necessary to maintain effective controls with regard to both GP and labour
- Have a pro‑active approach to driving sales and delivering growth, through engagement with both kitchen and front of house teams
Head Chef employer: Young & Co
At The Huntsman of Brockenhurst, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and creative work culture where our Head Chefs have the autonomy to craft their own menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients. With opportunities for professional development through our Apprenticeship Scheme, culinary masterclasses, and regular Chef Forums, you will be supported in your growth while enjoying benefits like free meals, generous discounts, and an enhanced pension scheme. Join us in a picturesque location where your culinary vision can flourish and make a meaningful impact on our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and even your local food community. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Head Chef position or can give you a shout-out when opportunities arise.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a sample menu. This is your chance to impress them with your unique food vision and seasonal creations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that resonate with your style. Check out our website for openings at Young's pubs where you can truly make your mark as a Head Chef. Tailor your approach to fit their vibe!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by thinking about how you can inspire a team and drive a food vision. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you’ve successfully managed kitchen operations. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creativity:As a Head Chef, you’ll be crafting your own menus, so don’t hold back! Use your application to showcase your culinary creativity and any unique dishes you've developed. Let us see how you can put your stamp on our food vision!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team. Make sure to include examples of how you’ve developed your team in the past or how you’ve managed kitchen staff effectively. We want to know how you bring out the best in others!
Focus on Fresh Ingredients:Since we pride ourselves on using fresh, seasonal produce, mention your experience with sourcing and working with these ingredients. Share any stories about how you’ve created dishes that highlight local produce – it’s all about that farm-to-table vibe!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to get your details and for you to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Young & Co
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Prepare to discuss your unique approach to menu creation. Bring examples of dishes you've crafted using seasonal ingredients and be ready to explain how they reflect your personal style and the pub's food vision.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about specific instances where you've inspired or developed a team. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to lead by example, manage kitchen staff, and foster a positive working environment.
✨Know Your Numbers
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators like GP and labour costs. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed these in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the business side of running a kitchen.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Ask insightful questions about their food vision and how they see the role of Head Chef evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
