Overview
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef with a strong background in pub kitchens to lead our culinary team and deliver exceptional, consistent food standards. The ideal candidate will bring confident leadership, creativity, and solid operational discipline — from placing orders and managing stock levels to delivering seasonal menus and driving the kitchen forward through hands‑on leadership. This role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee all aspects of kitchen operations within a busy, dynamic hospitality environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and supervise the kitchen team, creating a positive, organised, and high‑performing working environment
- Oversee all food preparation and cooking, ensuring consistency, quality, and timely delivery across every service
- Develop and deliver seasonal menus that reflect current trends, customer preferences, and the pub’s identity
- Manage daily and weekly food production schedules to ensure smooth service and efficient workflow
- Maintain excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness in line with all regulatory requirements
- Place orders, manage suppliers, and maintain accurate stock levels, ensuring cost control, minimal waste, and strong GP performance
- Manage staffing budgets, ensuring labour costs align with business targets and service requirements
- Monitor stock spends, ensuring purchasing is controlled, cost‑effective, and aligned with menu profitability
- Complete and maintain all kitchen paperwork, including compliance logs, temperature records, allergen documentation, stock sheets, and ordering systems
- Train, mentor, and support kitchen staff to enhance skills, confidence, and professional development
- Work closely with front‑of‑house teams to ensure seamless communication and a cohesive guest experience
- Uphold and enforce all health & safety policies across the kitchen
- Lead from the front during service, setting the tone for pace, standards, and professionalism
Experience & Skills
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a pub or similar hospitality environment
- Strong background in food production, preparation, and modern cooking techniques
- Demonstrable leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team
- Solid understanding of food safety regulations, allergen management, and best‑practice hygiene standards
- Confident in stock control, ordering, supplier management, and achieving targeted GP margins
- Experience delivering seasonal menus and adapting dishes to customer trends
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage staffing budgets, stock spends, and kitchen administration
- Excellent communication skills and an understanding of FOH/BOH service flow
- Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining high standards and attention to detail
Summary
This is a fully paid position offering an exciting opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional to lead a talented team, shape the menu, and deliver outstanding dining experiences within a thriving pub environment.
Pay: £38,800.00-£41,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
