Head Chef, Smokehouse Concept, Unique Destination Venue in Dorset, Dorset

Head Chef | Smokehouse Concept | Unique Destination Venue | Up to £50,000

This is not another standard Head Chef role.

This is a chance to take the lead in a high-investment smokehouse in a genuinely stunning setting, with a huge showpiece smoker at the heart of the kitchen and the freedom to help shape something with real character.

If you are a proven Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready for that next step, this could be a brilliant move.

Why this role is worth your attention

• Salary up to £50,000, with possible flexibility for the right person
• High-investment smokehouse in a truly unique setting
• Incredible smoker at the heart of the kitchen, big enough to fit a whole cow
• Open to a strong Sous Chef looking to step into their first Head Chef role
• Real opportunity to influence specials, events, and the direction of the offer
• Genuine long-term progression as the wider business continues to grow
• Better work-life balance than most senior kitchen roles

What the role looks like

• This is a simple, quality-led smokehouse menu focused on bold flavour, consistency, and strong execution.
• Trade changes hugely with the seasons, so this role needs someone who can adapt, plan properly, and lead from the front.
• Winter trade is quiet and would love to be bussier, and summer trade is BUSY with weekly covers often above 3000
• Small team of full-time chefs, with added seasonal support
• Really nice trading hours – no late nights (Last sitting is 20:30 Thursday to Saturday, Sunday service finishes at 18:00)

What they are looking for

• This is not just about being a good chef on the tools.
• They need someone who can lead a team, run a profitable kitchen, and take ownership of the operation.
• A real leader with presence and accountability
• Strong commercial understanding across cost control, GP, waste, and menu performance
• Experience managing volume and organising a team effectively
• Passion for BBQ, smokehouse cooking, and big flavour
• Someone who can bring energy, standards, and consistency
• Available to start quickly

Why this one stands out

• There are not many Head Chef roles like this on the market.
• You will be joining a business that has already made serious investment into the site, created something with real personality, and is looking for the right chef to help drive it forward.
• This is a rare chance to take on a role with lifestyle balance, scale, creativity, and room to grow.

If you are looking for a kitchen you can really make your own, this is well worth a conversation.

Voceer presents this job opportunity for COREcruitment, a 50 person sized company who are categorized as a Recruitment Agency.

This position is being managed by COREcruitment, a reputable recruitment agency known for placing candidates in desirable positions.