Head Chef

Hickory's Smokehouse; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality brand in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Head Chef to oversee their bespoke kitchen operations. This role offers a competitive salary package of up to £45,000 annually, including tips and an uncapped bonus. As part of a fast-growing restaurant group, you will lead a team to deliver exceptional BBQ cuisine and benefit from extensive training opportunities. The position promises a great work-life balance and exciting team events, all while working in a high-quality kitchen environment.

Benefits

Generous salary package with uncapped bonuses

Excellent training and progression opportunities

Free meals on shift

Paid occasion days off

Team Player card for discounts

Wellbeing support and wellness programs

Fundraising activities for community support

Referral bonuses up to £1,000

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume kitchen environment is essential.
• Ability to lead a team and deliver exceptional food quality.
• Passion for BBQ cuisine and fresh food preparation.

Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen operations efficiently and effectively.
• Lead the team to deliver high-quality BBQ dishes.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

BBQ menu expertise

Job description

Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse – We are thrilled to have been recently crowned the ‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025 at The Publican Awards! Join us as a Head Chef and we can offer you a generous package of up to £45,000 per year including Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus. You will be responsible for running our bespoke kitchen and delivering the very best food that our Smokehouse can offer. You will be working with and leading the team to deliver authentic fresh food‑based BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town. As the fastest growing Southern style Smokehouse group in the UK with an award‑winning Hickory's Training Academy, we can offer you amazing opportunities as we expand and we have a company culture that really cares & embraces work‑life balance. We are really going places and we want to take you with us.

• A generous Head Chef package of up to £45,000 per year including Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus!
• The chance to work in one of our £250k bespoke built kitchens, with authentic smokers imported all the way from USA
• Excellent training & progression opportunities – through our award‑winning Hickory's Training Academy
• Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends – every year
• Free smokin' BBQ on shift – team food & drinks menu
• Christmas Day off work – every year
• Moments that matter – paid occasion days off (Wedding day, kid's first day at school, moving into first home & more)
• Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory's (rising to 50% for loyal service)
• Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
• Wellbeing support & 24‑hour access to our wellness programme, plus a Wellbeing Champion in each restaurant to support you
• Our pledge to a work‑life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red Zone
• A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
• Up to £1,000 for you – through the refer a friend scheme