Head Chef - Beaches (Seafront Restaurant)

Southend-on-Sea Seafront
Full-time | Competitive Salary

About Beaches

Beaches is a well established seafront restaurant located in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, directly opposite Adventure Island and moments from Southend Pier - one of the most iconic coastal locations in the UK.

With over 40 years of trading history, Beaches has long been a go to destination for locals and tourists alike. Now under new ownership, the business is entering an exciting new phase of growth and transformation.

Our vision is simple but ambitious:
'to evolve Beaches into a must-visit food destination known not just for its location, but for consistently great food, strong branding, and an exceptional customer experience.'

We are actively investing in:

* Improving food quality, consistency, and presentation across the menu

* Building a stronger, more structured kitchen operation

* Enhancing speed of service while maintaining standards

* Developing the Beaches brand through social media and local reputation

* Creating a menu that drives repeat business, not just footfall

This is a unique opportunity to join at an early stage and play a key role in shaping the future of the business.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead the kitchen and help take Beaches to the next level.

This role is not just about running a kitchen, it's about taking pride in the food created, building a product, a team, and a reputation.

You will be responsible for:

* Delivering consistent, high-quality food in a fast-paced environment

* Improving existing dishes and overall kitchen standards

* Supporting the gradual evolution of the menu and food concept

* Building a reliable, efficient, and motivated kitchen team

Working Pattern & Environment

Typical shifts range from approximately 9-11am starts to 6-9pm finishes (depending on season)

Weekend work is required

Overtime available, particularly during peak summer months

Restaurant capacity: approx. #removed# covers (65 outdoor decking / 60-70 indoor)

Service style: combination of table service, takeaway, and counter service

Responsible for managing a team of 2-3 chefs

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

Manage and lead a team of 2-3 chefs and kitchen staff

Take ownership of all day-to-day kitchen operations

Create clear structure, roles, and accountability within the kitchen

Ensure smooth service during high-volume trading periods

Train, mentor, and develop junior team members

Implement systems to improve consistency across all dishes

Ensure high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation

Maintain strong hygiene and food safety standards (EHO compliance)

Menu Development & Food Quality

Maintain and improve the core menu

Focus on improving quality without slowing down service speed

Introduce new menu items and specials over time

Standardise recipes, portion sizes, and plating

Ensure food presentation is consistent and appealing

Contribute ideas for seasonal changes and menu evolution

Stock, Cost & Efficiency Management

Manage stock ordering, rotation, and supplier relationships

Monitor and control food costs to protect margins

Reduce waste and improve overall kitchen efficiency

Ensure accurate portion control across all menu items

Work with ownership on pricing and menu profitability

Maintain clear stock processes and accountability

Maintain tight control over food costs and kitchen efficiency

Compliance & Standards

Ensure full compliance with food hygiene and safety regulations

Maintain a high Food Hygiene Rating (EHO standards)

Implement and manage HACCP procedures

Ensure all kitchen records and checks are completed accurately

Uphold health and safety standards across the kitchen

Brand & Growth Contribution

Contribute ideas to help build the Beaches brand and reputation

Support development of dishes that are visually appealing and shareable

Play a role in improving customer experience through food quality

Work with ownership on new ideas, promotions, and menu direction

Support the creation of “social media worthy” dishes and presentation

Play a key role in transforming Beaches into a recognised local hotspot

Experience Required - What We're Looking For

5-10+ years' experience in hospitality kitchens (pubs, casual dining, or fast-paced environments)

Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up

Strong background in high-volume, fast-service food operations

Experience with similar menus (fried food, grills, breakfast, casual dining)

Proven ability to manage and develop a small kitchen team

Commercial awareness - understands margins, waste, and efficiency

Hands-on, proactive, and takes ownership

Ideal Candidate Traits

Takes pride in delivering consistent, high-quality food

Strong leadership presence and leads by example

Calm and organised under pressure

Hands-on and willing to get stuck in during busy service

Proactive mindset, identifies problems and solves them

Reliable, disciplined, and standards-driven

Positive attitude and team-focused approach

Why Join Beaches

* Be part of a new ownership journey with clear growth ambitions

* Opportunity to shape the kitchen, menu, and food standards

* Work in one of the best trading locations in Southend-on-Sea

* Join a business with strong existing footfall and huge potential

* Play a key role in building a recognised local brand

* Long-term progression opportunities as the business grows

Salary & Benefits

* Competitive salary (up to £18.50 per hour, based on experience)

* Performance-based incentives linked to kitchen performance

* Opportunity to grow with the business long-term

* Support from ownership to implement ideas and improvements

* Additional hours available throughout summer months

* Free tea/coffee for staff

* Staff discounts on food

If you're a motivated chef looking to step into a leadership role or take your Head Chef experience to the next level and want to be part of building something, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now