Head Chef

Royal Tankerton; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay + tips

Early wage withdrawal

Food & drink discounts 25%

Overnight stay discounts 25%

Shop discounts at Visitor Centre

Mental health platform access

Company pension

Career development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame’s Shakespeare in Canterbury is seeking a Head Chef to take full responsibility for the kitchen, lead your team, and deliver exceptional dishes and guest experiences. You’ll oversee menu planning, stock control and cost efficiency while maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards.

Join a renowned brewer with a passion for great food and British classics. Competitive hourly pay plus tips, flexible hours, and staff perks including discounts on food and drink, stays, and shop

Qualifications

• Lead kitchen operations and service delivery.
• Develop and motivate the kitchen team.
• Ensure dishes meet company specifications.
• Maintain hygiene, safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations from menu planning to service.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to high standards.
• Ensure dishes are prepared and presented to specifications.
• Manage stock, ordering, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
• Drive menu development and seasonal specials.
• Collaborate with General Manager to deliver guest experience.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Quality standards

Cost control

Hygiene compliance

Job description

Employment type: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: to be discussed at venue

Head Chef – Lead Our Kitchen with Britain’s Oldest Brewer!

At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Head Chef, you’ll take full responsibility for the kitchen, leading your team to deliver exceptional quality and consistency. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef with strong leadership skills and a passion for creating outstanding dishes.

Where You’ll Be Working

Set in the heart of Canterbury, the Shakespeare is located in a quaint cobbled street in the centre of the city. With the pub close to Canterbury Cathedral it’s a great place to seek out dinner and drinks after a day on the tourist trail. The adjoining wine bar opens onto the Buttermarket square opposite the Cathedral’s main entrance. You can enjoy traditional British classics, Kentish gourmet burgers and artisanal sharing boards, alongside ales and lagers brewed just 10 miles away by Shepherd Neame in Faversham.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu planning to service delivery.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to achieve high standards.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to company specifications.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
• Drive innovation through menu development and seasonal specials.
• Work closely with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

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 Head Chef:

• Working Together – you inspire confidence, guide others positively andenjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.
• Pride and Passion – you care about quality, presentation andensure consistency and high standards.
• Sheps Spirit – you bring enthusiasm and a passion for food.
• Authenticity – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.

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.