Head Chef

Royal Tankerton; Carshalton; Remote; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of tips

Early wage withdrawal

Food & drink discounts

Stay discounts

Shop discounts

Mental Health Platform

Company pension

Career development

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame is seeking a Head Chef to lead The Windsor Castle kitchen in Carshalton. You will oversee all kitchen operations, drive menu development, and ensure dining excellence. This role rewards leadership, creativity and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.

You’ll manage stock, costs and compliance while working closely with the General Manager to deliver a memorable experience for guests in a traditional pub setting.

Qualifications

• Behavioural focus: teamwork and leadership in a busy kitchen.
• Commitment to quality, presentation and consistency.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and passion for food.
• Keeps calm and proactive under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all 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 menu development and seasonal specials.
• Collaborate with General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Skills

Working Together

Pride and Passion

Sheps Spirit

Authenticity

Job description

Employment type: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: up to 38,000 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

Dating back to 1860, the Windsor Castle is a traditional pub where a warm welcome is guaranteed. Just a short walk from Carshalton High Street, it boasts a spacious bar and restaurant, with a delicious menu of home-cooked traditional pub classics and light bites on offer.

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?