Head Chef

Shepherd Neame Limited; Chatham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay + tips share

Early wage withdrawal

Staff discounts on food & drinks

Discounts on overnight stays

Shop discounts

Mental health support platform

Pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame Limited is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at the Ship & Trades in Chatham. You will oversee all aspects of food preparation, menus, and service, while developing your team to deliver exceptional dishes tied to our historic brewing heritage.

Bring leadership, passion for quality, and a hands-on approach to maintain top standards, with a focus on guest experience and cost-aware operations in a vibrant pub, hotel, and restaurant setting.

Qualifications

• Inspire confidence and guide kitchen staff.
• Uphold high standards of presentation and quality.
• Demonstrate passion for food and service.
• Excel in collaborative, busy kitchen environments.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Team leadership

Collaboration

Quality focus

Calm under pressure

Job description

Ship & Trades

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

• 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.