Head Chef
Location: The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Wimborne
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive Salary (Dependent on Experience)
About Us
The Hamworthy Club is one of Dorset's most diverse hospitality and events venues.
Operating seven days a week, we provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday carveries, weddings, private functions, corporate events, sporting events, themed dining nights and large-scale catering services.
We are now seeking an experienced and ambitious Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation and help drive the next stage of our food offering. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who wants more than simply running a service. Working directly with the General Manager, you will have genuine influence over menu development, weekly specials, themed events and future food concepts.
No two days are the same, and we are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, varied and hands-on environment.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, leading and developing the team while ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation across all areas of the business.
You will oversee food service, event catering, buffets, hot fork menus, Sunday carveries and private functions whilst maintaining high operational standards and strong financial control.
Working alongside an established Sous Chef and kitchen team, you will be responsible for creating a positive kitchen culture focused on quality, teamwork and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
- Manage all aspects of food preparation and service.
- Deliver consistently high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Plan and develop seasonal menus and weekly specials.
- Work with the General Manager to introduce new food concepts and themed dining events.
- Oversee restaurant, event, wedding, corporate and function catering operations.
- Manage stock control, ordering and supplier relationships.
- Control food costs, gross profit margins and kitchen wastage.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene and HACCP requirements.
- Manage staffing levels, rotas and labour costs.
- Train, mentor and develop chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.
- Ensure all food is produced efficiently whilst maintaining exceptional standards.
About You
We are looking for a chef who is passionate about food, takes pride in presentation and enjoys leading from the front.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a busy hospitality environment.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Experience managing a multifunctional kitchen operation.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance.
- Strong stock control and food cost management experience.
- A hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example.
- The ability to remain calm and organised under pressure.
- A passion for menu development and delivering high-quality food.
- Excellent communication and team-building skills.
- A positive attitude and commitment to maintaining high standards.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Creative freedom and input into menu development.
- Opportunity to influence the future direction of the food operation.
- A varied role where no two days are the same.
- Supportive management team.
- Staff meals whilst on duty.
- Company pension.
- Employee discounts.
- Free on-site parking.
- Opportunities for professional development and progression.
If you are an experienced chef looking for a leadership role where you can genuinely make an impact, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now with your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
