Head Chef - Dorset

Head Chef - Dorset
JWR is recruiting for an experienced and ambitious Head Chef to take full responsibility for a high-quality food operation in Dorset.
This is an excellent opportunity for a strong, hands-on Head Chef who enjoys leading from the front, developing their own team and having genuine ownership of menus, food standards and the commercial performance of the kitchen. The successful candidate will report directly to the General Manager and take responsibility for the entire kitchen brigade.

The Package

• Salary of £50,000-£60,000 + Tronc DOE
• Full-time, permanent position
• Genuine ownership of menu and dish development
• Opportunity to recruit, develop and shape your own brigade
• Work with quality seasonal ingredients and suppliers
• Senior position with real influence over the future direction of the food operation
• Opportunity to further develop the reputation and standards of the kitchen

The Role:
As Head Chef, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership and day-to-day operation of the kitchen, maintaining consistently high standards while continuing to develop both the food offering and the team.
Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen brigade
• Menu development, dish creation and seasonal menu changes
• Maintaining consistently high standards of food, presentation and service
• Managing kitchen recruitment, training and team development
• Managing rotas, labour costs and overall kitchen expenditure
• Taking responsibility for food cost, gross profit and departmental performance
• Recipe costing, portion control and waste management
• Purchasing, stock control and supplier management
• Ensuring the kitchen is fully prepared and organised for all services
• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, allergen management and kitchen compliance
• Working closely with the General Manager and wider management team

Requirements
We are looking for an accomplished chef who combines strong culinary skills with excellent leadership, organisation and commercial awareness.
Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, or be an experienced Senior Sous Chef ready for your next step
• A strong background within high-quality restaurants or premium hospitality environments
• Experience working within a Rosette-level kitchen or similar quality-led operation
• Strong classical cooking foundations and a good understanding of modern British cuisine
• Proven experience recruiting, developing and retaining kitchen teams
• Strong menu development and dish-costing experience
• A good understanding of food cost, GP, labour management and budgeting
• Excellent food safety, allergen and compliance knowledge
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• High personal standards, attention to detail and a commercially aware approach

This role would suit a Head Chef who wants genuine ownership of their kitchen and the opportunity to build a strong team while delivering an ambitious, quality-driven food operation.