Head Chef
High-Volume Operation
Dorset
£45,000 to £60,000 depending on experience

The Business

A destination-led hospitality venue operating within a highly seasonal model. The restaurant trades seven days a week and sees significant variation across the year, from quieter winter months to very high-volume summer trading.

The business is well established, with strong systems, infrastructure, and senior leadership already in place. The kitchen operation now needs a Head Chef who can take full ownership of food delivery and performance while working closely with the senior management team and General Manager.

The Role

This is a senior Head Chef role with full responsibility for food operations.

You will lead the kitchen team, control food quality and consistency, and manage all kitchen costs within a seasonal trading model. The role focuses on building a kitchen operation that remains efficient in winter and scales confidently through peak summer trading.

Key responsibilities include:

• Full ownership of food cost, labour, and kitchen productivity
• Leading menu execution that delivers at volume while maintaining standards
• Managing kitchen staffing and rotas in line with seasonal demand
• Developing a strong, structured kitchen team with clear accountability
• Working closely with the senior management team and General Manager to support wider business goals
• Planning prep, ordering, and production around weather and trading patterns
• Supporting pop-up food offers, outdoor service, and extended summer trading

You will be trusted to shape the kitchen operation and make improvements that drive consistency and performance.

The Person

• Proven Head Chef experience in high-volume or seasonal operations
• Strong commercial understanding of food margins and kitchen P&L
• Confident managing labour, stock, and supplier relationships
• Comfortable leading large kitchen teams during peak periods
• Calm, organised, and consistent under pressure
• Collaborative leader who works well with senior management
• Career-focused chef seeking long-term stability and progression

Other Information

• Highly seasonal operation
• On-site parking available
• Clear progression as the wider group continues to grow

If this sounds like you, get in touch.