Head Chef

Harri.com; Exeter; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday plus birthday off

Generous gratuities and tips

Company pension scheme

50% off dining at Rockfish restaurants

Access to wellbeing services

Training opportunities

Job summary

A prominent seafood restaurant chain in Exeter is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead a kitchen team and ensure exceptional food quality. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of Head Chef experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for seafood. Competitive salary of £39k, potential to reach £44k with extras. Enjoy generous holiday benefits, a company pension scheme, and discounts at all locations. Join us in a vibrant location that values sustainability and culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience at Head Chef level in a restaurant environment.
• A passion for seafood and sustainable cooking.
• Ability to manage and inspire a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation to high standards.
• Manage stock to minimise wastage and control costs.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with the front-of-house team.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Stock management

Team mentoring

Customer service

Job description

Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks , founder and CEO of the unique seafood business that catches, processes and serves local seafood at 10 locations in the Southwest. With a 25-year career in seafood as a chef, restauranteur and fishmonger Mitch is one of the leading, credible voices in seafood in the UK.

We’re aTop 50 Best Company to Work For in the UK, servicing MSC-certified sustainable seafood landed fresh daily from Brixham Fish Market. If you're a talented chef with a passion for leadership, sustainability, and career progression, this is an incredible opportunity to grow with us.

The salary for this role is £39k per annum basic salary, up to £44k when including tronc, gratuities and overtime.

The role

As Head Chef you will oversee a team of chefs ensuring food is prepared to a high standard, building a strong relationship with our front of house teams to deliver exceptional levels of service to all our guests.

You will manage stock effectively and respectfully to minimise wastage and control labour in line with budgets to ensure financial KPIs are met.

You will coach and inspire your team to fulfil their full potential ensuring you and your team embrace our core values, ‘Care, Community and Connection’.

As a new Rockfish Head Chef, you will be supported by structured training before you start in your restaurant, and we continuously develop your skills for a fulfilling career with Rockfish.

You will be required to have at least one years’ experience at Head Chef level within a restaurant environment.

As a Head Chef you will:

Cook exceptional dishes using the freshest seafood.

Lead the service and mentor a talented kitchen team.

Ensure every plate meets our Rockfish standards.

Manage resources to minimise waste and control costs.

Collaborate with the front‑of‑house team to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.

What We Offer

Competitive salary + paid overtime (with a focus on work‑life balance).

Generous share of gratuities and tips, distributed via Tip Jar.

Generous Refer‑a‑friend bonus.

Company pension scheme to support your future.

Time to Recharge

28 days holiday, plus your birthday off.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day off every year.

Winter working patterns with full pay.

4 week paid sabbatical after 10 years service

24/7 access to wellbeing services, including counselling, financial and legal advice.

Discounts & Rewards

50% off dining at all Rockfish restaurants.

Access to Rockfish paddleboards to use on your break time!

Competitions and incentives.

Training in wine, health & safety, and food safety.

Clear paths for career progression—we’re always looking for our next Area Head Chef!

Why Rockfish?

This is your chance to work in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal towns, with a team that values sustainability, quality, and growth. At Rockfish, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.

Ready to Make Waves?

Bring your passion and culinary expertise to Rockfish. Apply now!