Head Chef

Peoplebank; Chatham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Share of tips

Early wage withdrawal

Discount on food & drinks

Discount on overnight stays

Shop discounts

Mental health platform

Company pension

Career development

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame is seeking a Head Chef to lead the Kitchen at the Ship and Trades in Chatham Maritime. You will take full responsibility for the kitchen, guide your team to deliver exceptional quality and consistency, and work to maintain high standards in a busy setting with a strong connection to Britain’s oldest brewer.

Join a heritage venue with boutique bedrooms and a vibrant bar, restaurant and hotel. You will drive innovation, manage costs, and deliver an outstanding guest experience while

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong passion for high standards, quality and presentation.
• Ability to lead a kitchen team and manage menu development.

Responsibilities

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

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

Naval heritage meets contemporary style at the Ship and Trades - a stunning bar, restaurant and hotel at Chatham Maritime. Boasting a beautiful marina setting and a stylish modern design, the Ship and Trades is a unique place to dine, drink and stay in Chatham. There are 15 beautiful boutique bedrooms here too, each stylishly designed with a nod to the location’s nautical heritage, and promising some of the best accommodation in Chatham.

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?