Durham
Turtle Bay – Head Chef We’re on the lookout for an inspiring, passionate, and people-focused Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at Turtle Bay in Durham. 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, • 70% discount at our restaurant for you and up to 6 friends, • Exclusive team discounts from hundreds of retailers, • 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.
