An exciting opportunity to lead the kitchen of a much-loved, community-owned country pub.
We are looking for an ambitious, passionate and inspirational Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and help shape the future of this special Shropshire country pub.
This is an opportunity to join a community-owned business with a strong local following and a genuine desire to build on its success, develop its food offering and create an outstanding hospitality experience.
Marcus Bean
THE ROLE
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation while playing an important role in shaping the future of The Pheasant.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about great food, local producers, seasonal ingredients and exceptional hospitality.
Someone who isn’t afraid to get stuck in, lead from the front and develop a kitchen team that takes real pride in what it does.
You will have the opportunity to influence the menus, suppliers, kitchen systems and food culture of the pub, working alongside Marcus Bean and the wider management team.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We want a chef who:
- Has a genuine passion for cooking with local, seasonal and quality ingredients
- Loves creating food that is delicious, generous and appealing to a broad range of guests
- Understands what makes a great country pub kitchen
- Is creative and confident enough to develop menus while keeping them commercially viable
- Is an exceptional team leader and communicator
- Enjoys training, mentoring and developing chefs
- Can build a positive kitchen culture where people enjoy coming to work
- Takes pride in consistency, presentation and attention to detail
- Understands food costs, GP, ordering, stock control and kitchen profitability
- Can work collaboratively with front of house to deliver seamless hospitality
- Is organised, calm and positive under pressure
- Wants to be part of a community and contribute to the wider success of the pub
THE FOOD
At the heart of the food offering will be Shropshire and the surrounding countryside.
We want to showcase the fantastic produce available on our doorstep, working with local farmers, growers, producers and suppliers wherever possible.
Menus will be driven by the seasons rather than simply following trends.
Think beautifully cooked, honest, generous country pub food, alongside more creative dishes that allow the kitchen team to demonstrate its skills.
We want our guests to be able to come for a great Sunday lunch, a relaxed midweek supper, a special occasion or simply a pint and something delicious to eat.
There will be plenty of scope for the successful Head Chef to put their own stamp on the food.
YOUR TEAM
One of the most important parts of this role will be building and developing a new kitchen team.
We want to create a kitchen where chefs are encouraged to learn, improve and take pride in their work.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Recruiting and developing the kitchen team
- Creating effective kitchen rotas and systems
- Training and mentoring junior chefs
- Establishing clear standards and expectations
- Creating a positive and professional kitchen environment
- Working closely with front of house to develop a strong hospitality culture
- Helping team members develop their skills and careers
This is a role for a leader, not simply a chef who can run a service.
WORKING WITH MARCUS BEAN
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with Marcus Bean, a chef, presenter and hospitality consultant with extensive experience across food, hospitality, events and media.
Marcus is overseeing the transition of The Pheasant into its next chapter and will work alongside the Head Chef on areas including:
Menu development | Kitchen structure | Recruitment | Training | Suppliers | Food development | Hospitality | Events | Marketing
This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who wants to develop professionally while having the freedom and responsibility to make a real difference to a business.
WHY JOIN US?
The Pheasant isn’t just another pub.
It is a community-owned country pub at the heart of a beautiful Shropshire village, with a loyal customer base and a genuine opportunity to create something special.
You will be joining at an exciting point in its story, with the chance to help shape the next generation of the business.
We want the Pheasant to become known for:
Great food. Great people. Great hospitality. A great community pub.
And we want our Head Chef to be a key part of making that happen.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
You might currently be a Sous Chef ready for your first Head Chef role, an experienced Head Chef looking for a new challenge, or an established chef who wants the opportunity to genuinely influence a business.
Most importantly, you will have the passion, personality, leadership skills and ambition to take the kitchen forward.
We are much more interested in finding the right person than simply ticking boxes on a CV.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
- The opportunity to lead the kitchen of a community-owned Shropshire country pub
- Significant creative input into menus and the food offering
- Direct support and mentorship from Marcus Bean
- The opportunity to recruit and build your own kitchen team
- A chance to work closely with fantastic local and seasonal producers
- A genuinely exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of the business
- A supportive environment where your ideas and experience will be valued
- The opportunity to develop your career and reputation within a growing hospitality business
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience.
Location: The Pheasant at Neenton, Shropshire.
INTERESTED?
If you’re a chef who wants to be part of something exciting, loves great produce, enjoys leading people and wants the opportunity to put your stamp on a country pub, we’d love to hear from you.
Send us your CV along with a short introduction telling us why you think you’d be the right person to lead the kitchen at The Pheasant.
Send to [email protected]
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
