Head Chef

COTE; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract with 48 hours per/w

Performance-based bonus scheme

Meals on shift and employee discounts

Structured kitchen team

Job summary

COTE is seeking a passionate Head Chef to run our French brasserie kitchen, delivering authentic dishes with seasonal ingredients in a lively, supportive setting.

You will own the kitchen, inspire a dedicated team, and shape the dining experience through quality, consistency, and innovation in a bustling atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience as a Head Chef, with a passion for developing and motivating a team.
• Excellent organisational and cost-control skills.
• A genuine interest in French cuisine and provenance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency.
• Execute season menus and regularly changing specials.
• Train, mentor, and motivate the BOH team to maintain high culinary standards.
• Manage food costs and inventory control.
• Maintain excellent hygiene, food safety, and kitchen organisation standards.
• Develop excellent communication and relationships with the FOH teams.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Kitchen management

Job description

Head Chef

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen of our vibrant French Brasserie. Our restaurant celebrates the warmth and authenticity of classic French dining, combining traditional techniques with high-quality seasonal ingredients in a relaxed, bustling brasserie atmosphere.

We are entering an exciting period of evolution for the business, with a renewed focus on quality, consistency, and long-term growth. This role offers the opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment and play a key part in shaping the next chapter of the restaurant.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef to take ownership of the kitchen, inspire a dedicated team, and deliver exceptional food that reflects the heart of French cuisine.

What you’ll do

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency
• Execute season menus and regularly changing specials
• Train, mentor, and motivate the BOH team to maintain high culinary standards
• Manage food costs and inventory control
• Maintain excellent hygiene, food safety, and kitchen organisation standards
• Develop excellent communication and relationships with the FOH teams

Who you’ll be

• Proven leadership experience as a Head Chef, with a passion for developing and motivating a team
• Excellent organisational and cost-control skills
• A genuine interest in our food and its provenance

What we offer

• A permanent contract, with guaranteed 48 hours a week
• Competitive salary with a performance-based bonus scheme
• Meals on shift with further employee discounts for friends and family
• Structured kitchen team