Head Chef

Butcombe Group; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Benefits bar

Career growth & development

Length of service awards

Awards night

Extra time off

Team discounts

Wellbeing support

Beautiful locations & great teams

Job summary

The Museum Inn, part of Butcombe Pubs & Inns, is a highly regarded pub with rooms located in the Dorset countryside. We are seeking a Head Chef who loves crafting exceptional dishes in a fast-paced kitchen and leading a passionate team to deliver memorable dining experiences.

You will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, inspire your team, and work closely with leadership to drive quality, menus, and profitability in a beautiful location.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or senior chef in a busy pub/hospitality setting.
• Proven ability to manage food quality & safety standards.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Experience driving menu development and kitchen performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality food.
• Own all aspects of kitchen operations: quality, safety, stock, and labour control.
• Inspire, mentor and develop the team; foster learning and progression.
• Drive menu execution, innovation and consistency across services.
• Manage kitchen performance, budgets and food margins; uphold standards.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to ensure a profitable business.
• Create a positive, collaborative environment where great food and teamwork thrive.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Budget control

Menu development

Staff mentoring

Job description

At Butcombe Pubs & Inns,we areall about great food, great service, and great company. As part of our team,you willbe at the heart of abustling kitchen, working in some of the UK’s most stunning and picturesque locations. Ifyou arelooking to make an impact and create memorable dining experiences, then Butcombe is the place for you!

Located in the heart of the beautiful Dorset Downs, The Museum Inn is an award-winning pub with rooms, renowned for its warm hospitality, locally sourced food and welcoming atmosphere. Combining traditional charm with quality dining and comfortable accommodation, it is a popular destination for both locals and visitors exploring the stunning Dorset countryside.

We arelooking for aHead Chefwho hasa passion for cooking, thrivesin a fast-paced environment,takespride in delivering exceptional foodandis compassionate when leading and motivating a team.Ifyou havea flair for creating mouth-watering dishes and are ready to take the next step in your culinary career, then we want to hear from you!

What You'll Be Doing:

• Leading the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality food that keeps guests coming back for more.
• Taking ownership of all aspects of kitchen operations, from food quality and safety to stock and labour control.
• Inspiring, mentoring and developing your team, creating a culture of learning and progression.
• Driving menu execution, innovation and consistency across every service.
• Managing kitchen performance, budgets and food margins while maintaining exceptional standards.
• Working closely with the General Manager to deliver a successful and profitable business.
• Creating a positive, collaborative environment where great food and teamwork go hand in hand.

What’s In It For You?

• Flexible Working – We understand the importance of work/life balance and offer flexibility to help you make work fit around your lifestyle.
• Award-Winning Culture – Join one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, winners of The Publican Awards Best Pub Employer 501+ 2026, and recognised nationally for our industry-leading training and development programmes.
• Benefits Bar – Access discounts, cashback, and perks across major retailers, holidays, groceries, days out, and more.
• Career Growth & Development – From structured training plans to development opportunities across the business, we’ll support you in building a long-term career in hospitality.
• Length of Service Awards: Celebrate milestones with exciting rewards for your dedication.
• Annual Awards Night: Be recognised and celebrated through our annual Bar Raiser Ball awards, dedicated to recognising the incredible work our teams do.
• Extra Time Off – Enjoy an extra day of holiday on your birthday, plus the option to purchase additional holiday throughout the year.
• Team Discounts – Enjoy 30% off across Butcombe Pubs & Inns and 50% off food whilst on shift.
• Wellbeing Support – We’re proud ambassadors of The Burnt Chef Project and provide access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing.
• Beautiful Locations & Great Teams – Work in stunning pubs and inns alongside passionate people who genuinely care about delivering amazing experiences.

Why Join Butcombe Group?

We believe hospitality is at its best when people can be themselves. That’s why we’ve created a culture where everyone belongs, a place where you’re encouraged to just beyou. We work From the Heart, Set the Bar High, Raise the Spirits, and create experiences that genuinely become the Talk of the Town.