Head Chef Restaurant
3 days ago
Whitstable
Head Chef Harbour Garden Café, Whitstable About Us Harbour Garden Café is a well - established, 20 - year - old coastal restaurant located on the waterfront in Whitstable, Kent. With a 200 - cover capacity and a strong reputation for fresh fish and seafood, we operate a fast - paced, high - energy kitchen that expands seasonally from a 6 - person brigade to a 12 - person team. Our focus is simple: exceptional produce, vibrant flavours, and a relaxed coastal dining experience that reflects our unique harbour setting. The Role Remuneration package: ~£48,000 per annum (salary + gratuities) Holiday days: 28 days per annum Start date: ASAP Contract type: permanent We are seeking an experienced, hands - on Head Chef to lead our kitchen, drive menu creativity, and maintain the high standards our guests expect. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives in a busy service, understands coastal dining, and can manage both people and process with confidence. Key Responsibilities Kitchen Leadership & Team Management Lead, motivate, and develop a brigade of 612 chefs depending on the season Maintain a positive, collaborative kitchen culture Train and mentor junior chefs, ensuring consistency and skill development Manage kitchen rota planning in line with business needs Menu Development & Culinary Standards Create seasonal menus and recipes with a strong emphasis on fish and seafood Ensure dishes are executed to a consistently high standard during service Maintain portion control, presentation standards, and recipe adherence Work closely with management to align menus with brand identity and customer expectations Operational Excellence Oversee day - to - day cooking and lead service during busy periods Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, safety regulations, and allergen procedures Ensure the kitchen meets all hygiene obligations, including daily checks and documentation Uphold high standards of cleanliness and organisation across all kitchen areas Stock, Ordering & Cost Control Manage stock levels, ordering, and supplier relationships Monitor GP, waste, and portion control to meet financial targets Conduct regular stock takes and maintain accurate records Pace, Quality & Consistency Operate effectively in a high - volume, fast - paced environment Ensure smooth service during peak periods, especially weekends and seasonal surges Maintain calm, control, and communication under pressure What Were Looking For Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high - volume restaurant Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills Ability to balance creativity with consistency and commercial awareness A hands - on chef who leads from the front during service Understanding of allergen management and food safety compliance Passion for fresh, local ingredients and seasonal cooking Why Join Us Work in one of Whitstables most iconic waterfront restaurants Lead a respected, long - standing kitchen with a loyal customer base Creative freedom to shape menus and influence the culinary direction A supportive ownership and management team with a strong front - of - house partnership Opportunity to grow with a well - established, thriving business TPBN1_UKCT