Head Chef

Exeter - Restaurant; Exeter; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading seafood restaurant in Exeter is seeking a passionate Head Chef to guide a team in creating exceptional dishes using sustainably sourced seafood. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience at a Head Chef level in a restaurant and will help manage resources efficiently while delivering exceptional service. This role offers a competitive salary of £39k, potentially rising to £46k with overtime and tips, along with numerous employee perks and a focus on career growth.

Benefits

Paid overtime

Generous gratuities and tips

Company pension scheme

28 days holiday

Training in health & safety

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience at Head Chef level in a restaurant environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of chefs to ensure high standards of food preparation.
• Manage stock effectively to minimize waste.
• Mentor a talented kitchen team and maintain Rockfish standards.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Stock management

Job description

Overview

HEAD CHEF

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 a Top 50 Best Company to Work For in the UK, serving 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 £46k when including tronc, gratuities and overtime. PLUS you will receive a £2k welcome bonus after 12 months service.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Pay & Perks

• 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

Health & Wellbeing

• 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 & Career Growth

• 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!