Head Chef

Shepherd Neame Ltd; Chatham; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of tips

Early wage withdrawal

Food & drink discount

Hotel stay discounts

Shop discounts

Mental health platform

Pension plan

Career development

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame Ltd seeks a Head Chef to take full responsibility for the Ship and Trades kitchen in Chatham. You will lead a kitchen team, ensure exceptional dishes, and maintain brand standards across all service periods.

Join us to oversee menu planning, stock control, cost management and hygiene while delivering an outstanding guest experience. Attractive benefits and development opportunities await.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a high-volume environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Passion for quality, presentation and consistency.

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 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.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Stock control

Hygiene & safety

Cost efficiency

Job description

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.

Benefits

• 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

• Working Together - you inspire confidence, guide others positively and enjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.
• Pride and Passion - you care about quality, presentation and ensure 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?