Head Chef - Beaches (Seafront Restaurant)
2 days ago
Chelmsford
Head Chef Beaches (Seafront Restaurant) Southend-on-Sea Seafront Full-time | Competitive Salary About Beaches Beaches is a well established seafront restaurant located in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, directly opposite Adventure Island and moments from Southend Pier one of the most iconic coastal locations in the UK. With over 40 years of trading history, Beaches has long been a go to destination for locals and tourists alike. Now under new ownership, the business is entering an exciting new phase of growth and transformation. Our vision is simple but ambitious: to evolve Beaches into a must-visit food destination known not just for its location, but for consistently great food, strong branding, and an exceptional customer experience. We are actively investing in: • Improving food quality, consistency, and presentation across the menu, • Building a stronger, more structured kitchen operation, • Enhancing speed of service while maintaining standards, • Developing the Beaches brand through social media and local reputation This role is not just about running a kitchen, its about taking pride in the food created, building a product, a team, and a reputation. You will be responsible for: • Delivering consistent, high-quality food in a fast-paced environment, • Improving existing dishes and overall kitchen standards, • Supporting the gradual evolution of the menu and food concept, • Building a reliable, efficient, and motivated kitchen teamWorking Pattern & Environment, • Typical shifts range from approximately 911am starts to 69pm finishes (depending on season), • Weekend work is required, • Overtime available, particularly during peak summer months, • Restaurant capacity: approx. 135140 covers (65 outdoor decking / 6070 indoor), • Service style: combination of table service, takeaway, and counter service, • Responsible for managing a team of 23 chefsKey ResponsibilitiesKitchen Leadership & Operations, • Manage and lead a team of 23 chefs and kitchen staff, • Take ownership of all day-to-day kitchen operations, • Create clear structure, roles, and accountability within the kitchen, • Ensure smooth service during high-volume trading periods, • Train, mentor, and develop junior team members, • Implement systems to improve consistency across all dishes, • Ensure high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation, • Maintain strong hygiene and food safety standards (EHO compliance)Menu Development & Food Quality, • Maintain and improve the core menu, • Focus on improving quality without slowing down service speed, • Introduce new menu items and specials over time, • Standardise recipes, portion sizes, and plating, • Ensure food presentation is consistent and appealing, • Contribute ideas for seasonal changes and menu evolutionStock, Cost & Efficiency Management, • Manage stock ordering, rotation, and supplier relationships, • Monitor and control food costs to protect margins, • Reduce waste and improve overall kitchen efficiency, • Ensure accurate portion control across all menu items, • Work with ownership on pricing and menu profitability, • Maintain clear stock processes and accountability, • Maintain tight control over food costs and kitchen efficiencyCompliance & Standards, • Ensure full compliance with food hygiene and safety regulations, • Maintain a high Food Hygiene Rating (EHO standards), • Implement and manage HACCP procedures, • Ensure all kitchen records and checks are completed accurately, • Uphold health and safety standards across the kitchenBrand & Growth Contribution, • Contribute ideas to help build the Beaches brand and reputation, • Support development of dishes that are visually appealing and shareable, • Play a role in improving customer experience through food quality, • Work with ownership on new ideas, promotions, and menu direction, • Support the creation of social media worthy dishes and presentation, • Play a key role in transforming Beaches into a recognised local hotspotExperience Required What Were Looking For, • 510+ years experience in hospitality kitchens (pubs, casual dining, or fast-paced environments), • Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up, • Strong background in high-volume, fast-service food operations, • Experience with similar menus (fried food, grills, breakfast, casual dining), • Proven ability to manage and develop a small kitchen team, • Commercial awareness understands margins, waste, and efficiency, • Hands-on, proactive, and takes ownershipIdeal Candidate Traits, • Takes pride in delivering consistent, high-quality food, • Strong leadership presence and leads by example, • Calm and organised under pressure, • Hands-on and willing to get stuck in during busy service, • Proactive mindset, identifies problems and solves them, • Reliable, disciplined, and standards-driven, • Positive attitude and team-focused approachWhy Join Beaches, • Be part of a new ownership journey with clear growth ambitions, • Opportunity to shape the kitchen, menu, and food standards, • Work in one of the best trading locations in Southend-on-Sea, • Join a business with strong existing footfall and huge potential, • Play a key role in building a recognised local brand, • Long-term progression opportunities as the business growsSalary & Benefits, • Competitive salary (up to £18.50 per hour, based on experience), • Performance-based incentives linked to kitchen performance, • Opportunity to grow with the business long-term, • Support from ownership to implement ideas and improvements, • Additional hours available throughout summer months, • Free tea/coffee for staff Apply now. JBRP1_UKTJ
