Head Chef

Shepherd Neame Limited; Canterbury; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with tips

Early wage withdrawal

Staff discounts on food & drink

Discount on accommodation

Shop discounts

Job summary

Head Chef position at Shepherd Neame Limited in Canterbury. You will be responsible for the overall kitchen operation, leading a team to deliver outstanding dishes and guest experiences in a historic pub setting.

The role demands leadership, creative menu planning, and strict adherence to quality and hygiene standards to uphold the Shepherd Neame tradition.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team to high standards.
• Ability to plan menus and seasonal specials.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations from menu planning to service.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Ensure dishes are prepared to company specifications and presented well.
• Manage stock, ordering and cost control.
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards.
• Collaborate with GM to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Menu planning

Quality control

Hygiene standards

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

Employment type: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: per annum

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.

Ready to bring your personality and passion to the kitchen?