Head Chef Harbour Garden Café, Whitstable
About Us
Harbour Garden Café is a well - established, 20 - year - old coastal restaurant located on the waterfront in Whitstable, Kent. With a 200 - cover capacity and a strong reputation for fresh fish and seafood, we operate a fast - paced, high - energy kitchen that expands seasonally from a 6 - person brigade to a 12 - person team. Our focus is simple: exceptional produce, vibrant flavours, and a relaxed coastal dining experience that reflects our unique harbour setting.
The Role
Remuneration package: ~£48,000 per annum (salary + gratuities)
Holiday days: 28 days per annum
Start date: ASAP
Contract type: permanent
We are seeking an experienced, hands - on Head Chef to lead our kitchen, drive menu creativity, and maintain the high standards our guests expect. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives in a busy service, understands coastal dining, and can manage both people and process with confidence.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Team Management
Lead, motivate, and develop a brigade of 612 chefs depending on the season
Maintain a positive, collaborative kitchen culture
Train and mentor junior chefs, ensuring consistency and skill development
Manage kitchen rota planning in line with business needs
Menu Development & Culinary Standards
Create seasonal menus and recipes with a strong emphasis on fish and seafood
Ensure dishes are executed to a consistently high standard during service
Maintain portion control, presentation standards, and recipe adherence
Work closely with management to align menus with brand identity and customer expectations
Operational Excellence
Oversee day - to - day cooking and lead service during busy periods
Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, safety regulations, and allergen procedures
Ensure the kitchen meets all hygiene obligations, including daily checks and documentation
Uphold high standards of cleanliness and organisation across all kitchen areas
Stock, Ordering & Cost Control
Manage stock levels, ordering, and supplier relationships
Monitor GP, waste, and portion control to meet financial targets
Conduct regular stock takes and maintain accurate records
Pace, Quality & Consistency
Operate effectively in a high - volume, fast - paced environment
Ensure smooth service during peak periods, especially weekends and seasonal surges
Maintain calm, control, and communication under pressure
What Were Looking For
Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high - volume restaurant
Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
Ability to balance creativity with consistency and commercial awareness
A hands - on chef who leads from the front during service
Understanding of allergen management and food safety compliance
Passion for fresh, local ingredients and seasonal cooking
Why Join Us
Work in one of Whitstables most iconic waterfront restaurants
Lead a respected, long - standing kitchen with a loyal customer base
Creative freedom to shape menus and influence the culinary direction
A supportive ownership and management team with a strong front - of - house partnership
Opportunity to grow with a well - established, thriving business
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