Commis Chef

Shepherd Neame; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips share

Early wage access

Food & drink discount

Hotel discount

Shop discounts

Mental health platform

Pension plan

Career development

Flexible hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame’s Oak on the Green in Bearstead, near Maidstone, is seeking a Commis Chef to join our kitchen team. No experience? No problem—we provide training and support to start your culinary journey with Britain’s oldest brewer, learning fundamentals of food prep and cooking.

You’ll help with food prep, hygiene, following recipes, and keeping stations ready during service. We offer competitive hourly pay, tips share, early wage access, food and drink discounts, and broad career development

Qualifications

• We’re looking for behaviours that make a great Commis Chef: Pride in your work – you care about doing things properly and keeping standards high.
• Positive energy – you bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail – you take care with presentation and quality.
• Adaptability – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.
• Team spirit – you enjoy working with others and supporting your colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Assist the kitchen team with food preparation and cooking tasks.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in all kitchen areas.
• Follow recipes and instructions to ensure consistency and quality.
• Keep workstations organised and stocked during service.
• Work as part of a team to ensure smooth service during busy periods.

Job description

Employment type: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Up to £12.80 per hour

Commis Chef – Start Your Culinary Journey with Britain’s Oldest Brewer!

At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Commis Chef, you’ll play a key role in supporting our kitchen team, learning new skills, and helping to deliver dishes that keep guests coming back. This is the perfect opportunity to start or grow your career in hospitality.

No experience? No problem! If you have the right attitude and passion for food, we’ll provide all the training and support you need.

Where You’ll Be Working

Located in Bearstead, near Maidstone, the Oak on the Green sits on one of the prettiest village greens in England. Founded in 1665, the Oake Inn, famous visitors to the pub include Baroness Orczy, creator of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and Kent leg spin bowler Alfred Percy ‘Tich’ Freeman. Today, the Oak on the Green is renowned for using largely local produce throughout the extensive food menu offering both British and Mexican cuisine.

What You’ll Do

• Assist the kitchen team with food preparation and cooking tasks.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in all kitchen areas.
• Follow recipes and instructions to ensure consistency and quality.
• Keep workstations organised and stocked during service.
• Work as part of a team to ensure smooth service during busy periods.

What’s In It For You?

• Competitive hourly pay plus a share of tips
• Early wage withdrawal scheme
• 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
• 25% discount on overnight stays at Managed House Hotels
• Up to 40% off select purchases from our Visitor Centre Shop in Faversham
• Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut on hundreds of high street brands
• Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
• Company pension plan
• Career development opportunities across our pubs, Brewery, and Support Office
• Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle

What You’ll Need

We’re looking for behaviours that make a great Commis Chef:

• Pride in your work – you care about doing things properly and keeping standards high.
• Positive energy – you bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail – you take care with presentation and quality.
• Adaptability – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.
• Team spirit – you enjoy working with others and supporting your colleagues.

Why Shepherd Neame?

Our culture is built on Sheps Spirit, Working Together, Pride and Passion, and Authenticity—values that have guided us for over 300 years. When you join us, you become part of a team that celebrates tradition while shaping the future.

Ready to bring your personality and passion to the kitchen?