Head Chef

Aimbridge; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry leading training

Hotel discounts

Staff meals on duty

Free staff parking

Flexible working opportunities

Job summary

Aimbridge Hospitality is seeking a Head Chef to oversee all kitchen operations at our property, ensuring exceptional quality and presentation while maximising profit and staying within budget.

You will train and lead a team of chefs, maintain high food-safety standards, and ensure allergen awareness across all menus, while upholding brand standards and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Strong culinary leadership and the ability to manage a kitchen team.
• Proven experience in menu planning, recipe creation and plating presentation.
• Knowledge of allergens and ability to train staff accordingly.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations and kitchen cleanliness.
• Ability to adapt to guest preferences and innovate menu design.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations with emphasis on quality and profit margins.
• Ensure food is prepared to the highest standard and compliant with health and safety rules.
• Train and motivate kitchen staff and maintain an organized kitchen.
• Maintain brand standards and contribute to guest experience and hotel reputation.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu planning

Food presentation

Allergen awareness

Food safety

Job description

Who are we?

Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA are a division of the global Aimbridge Hospitality brand. We’re passionate about connecting great people to great experiences in exciting destinations, working with brands such as Hilton, IHG, Accor, Marriott and everything in between. From the rich diversity of our people and locations to our “people first” approach to business, the Aimbridge experience is like no other.

What is in it for you?

As part of the Aimbridge team, you will have access to industry leading benefits that include

• Industry leading training and leadership development opportunities
• Hotel discounts portfolio wide – Staff rates and up to 50% discount on food & beverage and spa
• Access to Stream - Stream up to 40% pay as it is earned and set automatic savings to support your financial wellbeing
• 24/7 access to our employee assistance programme
• Career and lifestyle breaks – Allowing you to take time off for key life events.
• Flexible working opportunities
• Company sick pay - Giving you piece of mind when you need it the most
• Staff meals on duty
• Paid breaks
• Access to hotel gym facilities
• Free staff parking

A day in the life of…

As the inspiring Head Chef it will be your responsibility to oversee all kitchen operations with emphasis on quality and presentation and maximising every opportunity to ensure profit and cost margins are met and consistently kept in line with budget.

You will need to ensure that all food is prepared to the highest standard and in compliance with health and safety regulations and your knowledge of allergens will be crucial, as you will also be responsible for training and educating your staff on allergen awareness.

Additionally, you will be managing and motivating a team of chefs and kitchen staff while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. You’ll be a key figurehead for the business that plays an essential role in maintaining the hotel's reputation and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests dining in the ’1935’ Rooftop Restaurant & Bar or attending a meeting or event, including weddings.

What do we need from you?

• Strong culinary skills and knowledge, including expertise in menu planning, recipe creation, and food preparation and presentation.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to recruit, manage and motivate a team of kitchen staff to work together effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with other hotel departments and external stakeholders, and to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations and guidelines, and the ability to always maintain strict standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
• The ability to adapt to changing customer preferences and dietary requirements, and to be creative and innovative in menu design and food presentation.

Most importantly, to be successful in this role, you will be passionate about providing an exceptional guest experience and living through our brand standards

At Aimbridge, we recognise that people are the heart of our business. As a Global leader, we are committed to representing our global community and offering everyone ‘A Place to Grow’