Seasonal Head Chef / Kitchen Manager – Immediate Start | St Mawes, Cornwall
Immediate Start | Live-in Ensuite Accommodation | Until the End of September
We're looking for an experienced Seasonal Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to join us as soon as possible and lead our kitchen through the remainder of our busy summer season.
If you're an organised, hands-on chef who enjoys working with exceptional local seafood while spending the summer in one of Cornwall's most beautiful harbour villages, we'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're between permanent roles, looking for a seasonal opportunity, or simply fancy spending the rest of the summer by the sea, this is a chance to lead a respected kitchen in a restaurant renowned for its fresh Cornish seafood and warm hospitality.
While this is a seasonal position running until the end of September, we're always keen to build long-term relationships with great people. For the right candidate, there may be opportunities to return next season on a longer contract or to work across our other hospitality venues in Cornwall.
Who we are
With pristine beaches, a picturesque harbour and endless opportunities for sailing, walking and paddleboarding, St Mawes is one of the best places to live and work in Cornwall. Voted the UK's number one seaside resort, it's the perfect place to spend the summer.
Opened in 2011, The Watch House Restaurant sits on the harbour front and has built a reputation for exceptional service and beautifully prepared food, earning recognition in the Michelin Guide and other respected publications.
Chef Patron Will Gould has created menus centred around fresh local seafood and seasonal Cornish produce. Our philosophy is simple: celebrate the incredible fish landed on our doorstep. We believe great ingredients don't need to be overcomplicated, and we're looking for someone who shares that approach.
What we're looking for
Our Seasonal Head Chef / Kitchen Manager will:
- Be passionate about Cornish produce, especially fresh seafood.
- Have previous experience leading a busy kitchen.
- Be confident managing stock and minimising waste.
- Have an excellent understanding of food safety and health & safety.
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team by example.
- Oversee all aspects of food service, including our popular fish and chip takeaway.
- Support and develop junior chefs.
- Deliver consistently high standards during busy summer service.
- Be confident costing dishes and maintaining GP targets.
What we offer
- Competitive pay plus a share of service charge.
- Staff meals.
- Flexible working patterns where possible.
- Live-in accommodation is available in a spacious ensuite room within our shared staff flat, just a two-minute walk from the restaurant. The room even has a glimpse of the sea, making it the perfect base for spending the summer in St Mawes.
- The opportunity to spend the summer working in one of Cornwall's most sought-after coastal destinations.
- The opportunity to build a longer-term relationship with our business, with potential seasonal and permanent opportunities at The Watch House and our other hospitality venues across Cornwall.
How to apply
Please send us:
- Your CV.
- Details of your salary expectations.
- Whether you require accommodation.
- Your availability to start.
Please note that accommodation is limited. We are approximately 30 minutes from both Truro and St Austell if you prefer to commute.
We will only contact candidates selected for the next stage of recruitment. Successful applicants will be invited to complete a paid trial shift.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Evidence of eligibility will be required during the recruitment process.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 2 months
Pay: £17.00-£22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Senior sous or Head chef: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
