Head Chef Designate

Hickory's Smokehouse; Colwyn Bay; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and award-winning Southern style Smokehouse as a Head Chef Designate. This role offers the chance to lead a passionate team and run a bespoke kitchen while working towards becoming a Head Chef. With a generous salary package, excellent training opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, this position is perfect for BBQ enthusiasts looking to grow their career in a supportive environment. Enjoy unique perks such as free BBQ on shift, birthday rewards, and exciting road trips as part of your journey with us.

Benefits

Tip Jar

Birthday Reward Meal

Free BBQ on Shift

Paid Occasion Days Off

25% Discount Card

Wellbeing Support

Fundraising Activities

Refer-a-Friend Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Deliver an authentic BBQ menu and ensure food quality.

Skills

Team Leadership

BBQ Cooking Techniques

Menu Development

Food Safety Management

Education

Culinary Arts Certification

Food Safety Certification

Tools

Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Authentic Smokers

Job description

Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse - We are thrilled to have been recently crowned the ‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025 at The Publican Awards!

Join us as a Head Chef Designate and we can offer you a generous package of up to £42,000 per year including Tip Jar!

We’re looking for a Head Chef Designate to join our passionate brigade of BBQ enthusiasts. You will be responsible for running our bespoke kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, working towards becoming a Head Chef yourself. You will lead the team to deliver an authentic, fresh food-based BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town.

As the fastest-growing Southern style Smokehouse group in the UK, with an award-winning Hickory’s Training Academy, we offer real progression opportunities as we expand. We also foster a company culture that cares and embraces work-life balance.

Benefits include:

1. Package of up to £42,000 per year including Tip Jar and uncapped bonus
2. Work in a £250k bespoke kitchen with authentic smokers imported from the USA
3. Excellent training & progression through our Hickory’s Training Academy
4. Birthday reward meal for you and your friends annually
5. Free BBQ on shift – team food and drinks menu
6. Christmas Day off work annually
7. Paid occasion days off (wedding, child’s first day at school, moving house, etc.)
8. Team Player card with 25% discount for you and 5 friends (rising to 50% for loyal service)
9. Road trips to the Southern States, Europe, and UK, plus enrichment opportunities
10. Wellbeing support and 24-hour access to our wellness programme, with a Wellbeing Champion in each restaurant
11. Commitment to work-life balance monitored through our Red Zone
12. Fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
13. Up to £500 through our refer-a-friend scheme

If this sounds appealing or if you want to learn more, click ‘apply’ now and become our next Head Chef Designate.

INDSPHCD