Lead Kitchen Chef — Build Teams, Elevate Dining

Loungers; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Overtime pay

Free meals

50% staff discount

Career progression

Early access to pay

Staff parties

Job summary

Conto Lounge, part of Loungers, is hiring a hands-on Head Chef to lead the kitchen. You’ll manage the kitchen from open to close, build a strong team, ensure high standards, and shape a kitchen that supports every customer’s experience.

You’ll develop your team from KPs to Sous Chefs, manage GP and food safety KPIs, and collaborate with front-of-house to deliver great service. The role offers progression, a 48-hour contract with 40-hour option, overtime, and a competitive remuneration package.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Sous Chef preferred.
• Proven ability to lead high‑performing kitchen teams.
• Strong understanding of food quality, cost, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of Conto Lounge kitchen from open to close.
• Recruit, develop and coach kitchen staff across levels.
• Know menu specs and kitchen processes inside out to ensure consistency.
• Own site-level action plan with General Manager on wait times, stock, cleaning.
• Deliver on KPIs: quality, wait times, wastage, food safety, GP, and report on performance.
• Schedule fair rotas aligned with sales and bookings.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to build a one-team culture and cross-train.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Team development

Coaching

Food quality standards

Job description

Conto Lounge, part of Loungers, is hiring a hands-on Head Chef to lead the kitchen. You’ll manage the kitchen from open to close, build a strong team, ensure high standards, and shape a kitchen that supports every customer’s experience.

You’ll develop your team from KPs to Sous Chefs, manage GP and food safety KPIs, and collaborate with front-of-house to deliver great service. The role offers progression, a 48-hour contract with 40-hour option, overtime, and a competitive remuneration package.