Head Chef – Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Job Overview
We are recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at one of our quality, food-led businesses. This role is well suited to an established Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, ideally with experience in a 1 rosette–standard pub or restaurant. This is good honest food no frills or foams.
The food offer is British-forward, focusing on seasonality, locality, and provenance, alongside classic flavours and well-executed modern pub dishes. Menus are changed on a monthly basis, with a strong emphasis on running weekly specials boards that showcase the best produce from our trusted suppliers.
You will have a high level of autonomy in the kitchen, while working closely with the senior team to design, develop, and finalise menus, ensuring consistency, strong margins, and a clear food identity.
Due to the location, own transport is essential.
Company Overview
Part of Balfour, we operate food-focused pubs with a strong emphasis on quality, consistency, and great hospitality. We offer long-term stability, support from an experienced senior team, and opportunities for career progression.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the kitchen operation on a day-to-day basis
- Develop and deliver British-forward, seasonal menus
- Plan and execute monthly menu changes and weekly specials boards
- Maintain consistently high food quality, presentation, and portion control
- Recruit, train, and manage the kitchen team
- Manage rotas, ordering, stock control, GP, and wastage
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
- Work collaboratively with front-of-house and senior management teams
Required Skills and Experience
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
- Background in a busy, food-led pub or restaurant (1 rosette standard preferred)
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Passion for modern British cuisine, seasonality, and provenance
- Excellent organisational and cost-control skills
- Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Additional Requirements
- Own transport essential due to location
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £45,000 – £50,000 per annum, with TRONC & performance related bonus
- High level of kitchen autonomy
- Supportive senior management structure
- Career development and progression within the group
- Opportunity to lead and shape a respected pub kitchen
How to Apply
If you are a motivated and experienced Head Chef looking for a permanent role in a quality, British food-focused pub, we would like to hear from you.
What Success Looks Like in This Role
After 3 Months
- Kitchen fully settled under your leadership
- Monthly menus delivered confidently and on time
- Weekly specials boards running consistently and creatively
- Strong standards in food quality, hygiene, and organisation
After 6 Months
- Clear British-forward food identity established
- Kitchen team trained, engaged, and performing well
- GP, stock control, and wastage within agreed targets
- Positive guest feedback and repeat custom driven by food
Ongoing
- Menus that reflect seasonality, locality, and provenance
- Strong working relationship with suppliers and senior management
- A motivated, stable kitchen team delivering consistently high standards