Head Chef

Shepherd Neame Limited; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of tips

Early wage access

Food & drink discount

Overnight stay discount

Shop discounts at Visitor Centre

Job summary

Shepherd Neame Limited in Canterbury seeks a Head Chef to lead our kitchen, drive menu development, and maintain exceptional guest experiences. You will oversee all kitchen operations, coach the team, and ensure dishes meet company standards.

We offer competitive hourly pay, tips, and a range of staff benefits. A strong focus on hygiene, safety and collaboration will help you succeed in this historic pub setting and contribute to our 300+ year tradition.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a kitchen or food service setting.
• Ability to plan menus and oversee service delivery.
• Strong focus on hygiene, safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Menu planning

Stock control

Hygiene & safety

Collaboration

Ambition & passion

Authenticity

Tools

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Job description

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

One of Canterbury’s oldest buildings, the Parrot was built on Roman foundations in the 14th century. Tucked away down a picturesque cobbled street in the heart of Canterbury, the pub offers a wealth of medieval beams, oak floorboards and authentic open fires providing an atmospheric backdrop to food and drink.

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.