Head Chef

Head Chef – High-End Restaurant | West Sussex Area
Full-Time | Up to £65,000 per year DOE + Tips & Bonuses
Exceptional Work-Life Balance (2.5 Days Off Per Week)

The Opportunity

Pineapple is exclusively working with a top-rated, independent, family-run restaurant in West Sussex, renowned for its commitment to culinary excellence and warm hospitality. This established 150-cover venue prides itself on a Rosette-standard offering, utilising the finest locally sourced ingredients to create sophisticated Modern British Fayre. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head Chef to lead an established brigade of 8, taking full ownership of the kitchen and driving the next chapter of this restaurant's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Total Kitchen Leadership: Lead and inspire a brigade of 8 chefs, ensuring a seamless service that meets the high expectations of a top-rated establishment.

• Culinary Vision & Menu Design: Lead the creative process for seasonal menu changes and daily specials. You will have the autonomy to showcase locally sourced produce through innovative and modern British dishes.

• Financial Management: Drive the commercial success of the kitchen by managing budgets, achieving GP targets, and overseeing rigorous stock control and ordering processes.

• Team Mentorship: Recruit, inspire, and develop your team. Foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring junior members are mentored and trained to the highest standards.

• Operational Excellence: Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and organisation. Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations at all times.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the business owners and Front of House management to ensure a cohesive guest experience and successful business growth.

Essential Requirements

• Experience: Proven track record of stable, long term experience as a Head Chef within premium gastro pubs or Rosette-standard restaurants.

• Transport: Driving is essential due to the location of the restaurant.

• Accommodation: Please note that no live-in accommodation is provided with this role.

• Right to Work: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK; no visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Why Apply?

• Attractive Package: Competitive salary up to £65,000 (DOE), supplemented by tips and performance-related bonuses.

• Lifestyle Balance: A rare opportunity in the sector to enjoy 2.5 days off per week with reasonable finish times.

• Creative Autonomy: The freedom to influence menus and work with premium, local suppliers in a high-spec kitchen environment.

• Supportive Culture: Work within a relaxed yet professional family-run business where your expertise is truly valued.

Pineapple Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.