Job Overview
Sous Chef / Head chef (with real clear progression)
Henry’s Smokehouse – Greenhalgh, Preston
Lancashire’s only authentic Texas-style offset smokehouse
We’re looking for a calm, organised, systems-strong Senior Sous Chef who wants to grow with us — ideally into Kitchen Manager with future partnership opportunities as we scale. Events & food truck along with Ecommerce projects are planned in.
The vibe
Henry’s is the real deal. Real offset smokers. Real hardwoods. Overnight cooks. No pellets, no electric, no shortcuts. We do it the hard way — the Franklin obsessive-consistency way mixed with the soul and heritage of places like Black’s in Lockhart. Where we've spent time.
We’re a family-run roadhouse & smokehouse with Southern hospitality, dry-aged meats, proper smoke rings, and a growing following of people who travel literally hundreds of miles for what we do. We’re not a chain and we never will be. We’re building something unique at the front of what we believe will be a golden era of true smokehouses in the UK.
The role
You’ll be the owner’s operational right-hand in the kitchen. You’ll run the pass, own ordering, par levels, prep planning and specs, protect food safety & allergens, keep an eye on GP, and lead the team with calm authority.
You’ll help us lock in & create the polished systems (spec books, consistent processes, efficient fridge & produce flow) that we need as we grow. You’ll need to create specials using different meats, events and the food truck. You’ll take pride in the fact that what we do is rare.
We understand everyone has different circumstances and are happy to discuss individual needs / obligations.
Who we’re looking for
- Someone who gets why consistency and doing it properly matters more than shortcuts
- Organised, hands-on and mature — no screamers
- Strong on ordering, prep planning, specs, food safety, allergens and GP awareness
- Enthusiastic about real smoking, specials and events
- Proud of a unique venue and protective of its standards
- Ideally ambitious — someone who wants to progress to Kitchen Manager and, in time, explore partnership opportunities as we scale
- Oversee food safety protocols and sanitation practices to maintain compliance with health regulations
- Coordinate food production processes to ensure timely delivery of dishes during service hours
- Contribute to menu planning, recipe development, and ingredient sourcing to keep offerings innovative and appealing
- Monitor inventory levels, assist with stock ordering, and minimize waste through efficient food management
- Serve as a role model for professionalism and hospitality by engaging positively with team members and guests
What we offer
- £36,000 – £39,000 base depending on experience
- Tips
- £3,000 annual bonus weighted around food safety compliance, guest feedback, GP performance and service length
- Performance reviews formalising and planning progression over next 12-18months
- Food truck event profit-share
- Clear path to Kitchen Manager with genuine future partnership potential for the right person
- The chance to help shape one of the few true authentic smokehouses in the UK
- Genuinely unique place to work highly respected in the UK as somewhere very special to visit & be part of
This is a long term career for someone who wants to grow with us making the most of our growth as we scale and enjoying the pride and rewards that come along with this type of journey. If you want a kitchen where standards actually mean something, where the product is special, and where there’s real room to grow with the business, we’d love to hear from you.
Send your CV and a short note telling us why Henry’s interests you..
Pay: £36,000.00-£39,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Profit sharing
Application question(s):
- Distance and ability to commute to our location please advise how viable. PR4 3HE.
Experience:
- Kitchen leadership: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
