At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and innovate seasonal menus while leading a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Join Young's, where every pub has its unique culinary vision.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Access to culinary masterclasses and inspirational food trips.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity and make a real impact in a vibrant pub environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a passion for fresh, seasonal cooking.
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.
Being a Head Chef at Young's 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.
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 while 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 as a 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 & 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
Key skills:
- Menu Development
- Food Safety
- Food Preparation
Head Chef in Brockenhurst employer: Young's Pubs
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 access to comprehensive development programmes, culinary masterclasses, and a supportive team environment, you will not only enhance your culinary skills but also inspire and lead a passionate kitchen team. Enjoy competitive benefits including free meals, generous discounts, and a commitment to your professional growth in a picturesque location that celebrates local produce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Brockenhurst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and even local food bloggers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes and menu ideas. This is your time to shine and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to pubs and restaurants you admire. A friendly email or call can go a long way in landing that dream head chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Brockenhurst
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 kitchen staff or improved team dynamics in your previous roles. We want to know how you can 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's Pubs
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Prepare to discuss your unique approach to menu development. Bring examples of dishes you've created using seasonal produce and be ready to explain how you would adapt menus to reflect local ingredients and trends.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about specific instances where you've successfully led a kitchen team. Be prepared to share how you inspire and develop your staff, manage training, and ensure everyone is working towards a common food vision.
✨Know Your Numbers
Familiarise yourself with key financial metrics related to running a kitchen. Be ready to discuss how you manage food costs, labour, and overall profitability while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
✨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.
