Head Chef – Smokehouse & Restaurant
Location: Dover High Street (opposite the Town Hall)
Salary: Negotiable depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: Full-time hours working between 9am–9pm, including weekends and evenings.
About Us
We are a well-established and popular venue in the heart of Dover, currently undergoing an exciting transformation. By day, we operate as a stylish and busy coffee house and breakfast restaurant, while by evening we become a welcoming and vibrant Smokehouse restaurant.
Renowned for our breakfast and lunch service, we have recently launched evening dining and are continuing to expand our Smokehouse offering. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Chef to work within a growing kitchen and play a key role in shaping the future of the business.
The Role
Our Pittmaster is looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and oversee the continued growth of our Smokehouse concept.
The successful candidate will have previous experience smoking meats, managing kitchen operations, maintaining exceptional hygiene standards, and completing all necessary kitchen administration and compliance paperwork.
You will be responsible for leading the kitchen team, maintaining consistently high standards, and helping to develop both our established daytime menu and expanding evening Smokehouse offering.
Key Responsibilities
- Running the kitchen day-to-day and leading by example.
- Preparing and smoking meats to a consistently high standard.
- Designing, developing and costing menus for breakfast, lunch and evening service.
- Managing food preparation and ensuring quality and presentation standards are maintained.
- Overseeing kitchen staff and supporting the Pittmaster.
- Completing all required kitchen paperwork, records and compliance documentation.
- Ensuring all health, safety and food hygiene regulations are met.
- Maintaining a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment.
- Working efficiently and accurately during busy service periods.
- Developing new dishes and specials to attract and retain customers.
- Assisting with preparation and cleaning duties when required.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
- Previous experience smoking meats is essential.
- Excellent kitchen management and organisational skills.
- Experience with stock control, ordering and kitchen paperwork.
- A strong understanding of food safety and hygiene procedures.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Weekend and evening availability is essential.
- A genuine passion for food and hospitality.
Working Hours
Our Smokehouse operates 7 days a week, therefore flexibility is essential.
Current daytime opening hours are 9am–3pm daily.
Our evening service currently runs:
- Thursday: 5pm–10pm
- Friday: 5pm–10pm
- Saturday: 5pm–10pm
As demand continues to grow, we plan to extend evening service to additional nights throughout the week.
What We Offer
- Salary negotiable depending on experience.
- Flexible working hours.
- Food provided during shifts.
- On-the-job training.
- Casual work attire.
- A relaxed and supportive working environment.
- Growth and development opportunities.
Applications can be submitted via Indeed or in person.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From £12.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
