Elior UK
Head Chef – SS Great Britain, Bristol Dockyard
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Head Chef at SS Great Britain
We're looking for an exceptional Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at the world-famous SS Great Britain, one of Bristol's most celebrated visitor attractions and event venues.
Designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843, the SS Great Britain revolutionised maritime travel as the world's first great ocean liner built from iron and powered by a screw propeller. Today, the ship sits in the very dry dock where she was built, welcoming thousands of visitors every year and hosting an impressive calendar of weddings, corporate events, gala dinners, private dining experiences and exclusive VIP functions.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef with a background in fine dining, luxury hospitality and VIP events to create exceptional culinary experiences in one of the most unique venues in the UK.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing kitchen brigade.
- Deliver exceptional food across café operations, hospitality, weddings, private dining and corporate events.
- Design innovative seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
- Deliver outstanding fine dining experiences for VIP guests and prestigious events.
- Manage food cost, labour budgets, stock control and supplier relationships.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP and health & safety legislation.
- Recruit, coach and develop chefs, creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing kitchen culture.
- Work closely with the Events and Operations teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.
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What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a fine dining, luxury hotel, premium hospitality or high-end events environment.
- Proven experience delivering exceptional fine dining menus and catering for VIP guests, corporate hospitality, weddings and exclusive events.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing successful kitchen teams.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing food cost, gross profit, labour budgets and kitchen performance.
- Excellent knowledge of HACCP, food safety and health & safety legislation.
- Passion for innovation, quality and delivering memorable guest experiences.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional standards.
Working Pattern
- 5 days over 7, 40 hours per week
Why Join Us?
- Lead the kitchen at one of Bristol's most iconic heritage destinations.
- Create exceptional food experiences in a venue unlike any other.
- Be part of weddings, exclusive VIP events, gala dinners and prestigious corporate hospitality.
- Showcase your creativity through seasonal menus and premium dining experiences.
- Work alongside a passionate and dedicated team.
- Competitive salary, benefits and opportunities for career development
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Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind - 28 days of holiday, and after two years, enjoy even more with 31 days.
- Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
- Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
- Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
If you're an ambitious Head Chef with a passion for fine dining, luxury hospitality and leading exceptional teams, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help create unforgettable dining experiences aboard one of the world's most remarkable historic ships.
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