Head Chef

Platinum Recruitment Consultancy; Coulsdon; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great tronc and tips

50% off bedrooms and meals

Free meals on duty

Development programmes

Discount portal access

Wellbeing hub and EAP

Company pension

Learning & development platform

Monthly recognition & rewards

Team parties & events

Job summary

Platinum Recruitment Consultancy is recruiting for a Head Chef near Croydon, delivering exceptional British cuisine with a lively, characterful pub setting. The role offers £48,000 plus a great tronc and tips, with opportunities to lead a talented kitchen team and drive a rewarding dining experience.

You will oversee kitchen operations, develop staff, and ensure compliance with food safety and cost targets while delivering outstanding guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience leading kitchen teams across all sections
• Proven ability to manage food cost and profitability
• Strong leadership and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen during service, maintaining consistency, quality and efficiency
• Plan and coordinate kitchen operations with senior management
• Coach and develop your team, creating a positive and collaborative culture
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and allergen compliance
• Oversee recruitment, training and ongoing development of the team
• Control costs and drive profitability through stock and menu management
• Build strong relationships between kitchen, front of house and guests
• Maintain high standards during busy service periods
• Oversee food preparation and presentation to ensure consistently excellent quality
• Monitor guest satisfaction while maintaining cost targets

Job description

Head Chef - £48,000 + Great Tronc & Tips

Lead a talented kitchen team, enjoy fantastic benefits and take your career to the next level!

Are you an experienced Head Chef looking for your next challenge in a characterful pub serving exceptional British food? This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a kitchen team just outside Croydon, working with fresh, seasonal ingredients and delivering an outstanding dining experience in a unique setting.

With a competitive salary, great tronc and tips, and excellent opportunities for career development, this role offers the chance to make your mark in a busy kitchen while building a rewarding future within hospitality.

Why apply / What's in it for you?

• £48,000 salary plus great tronc and tips
• 50% off bedrooms and meals across the group
• Free meals on duty
• Development programmes and genuine career progression opportunities
• Access to a benefits portal with thousands of lifestyle discounts
• Wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme
• Company pension scheme
• Learning and development platform to support your career
• Monthly recognition and reward programmes
• Fantastic team parties and social events

Key Responsibilities

As Head Chef, you'll take the lead in the kitchen, ensuring excellent food, smooth service and a positive working environment.

• Lead the kitchen during service, maintaining consistency, quality and efficiency
• Plan and coordinate kitchen operations alongside senior management
• Coach and develop your team, creating a positive and collaborative culture
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene and allergen regulations
• Manage recruitment, training and the ongoing development of team members
• Control costs and drive profitability through effective stock and menu management
• Build strong relationships between the kitchen, front of house and guests
• Maintain high standards and performance during busy service periods
• Oversee food preparation and presentation to ensure consistently excellent quality
• Monitor guest satisfaction while maintaining food quality and agreed cost targets

What we're looking for

We're looking for a passionate Chef with strong leadership skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to bring out the best in their team.

• Experience working across all kitchen sections, including preparation
• Confidence opening and closing the kitchen safely
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• The ability to support and develop junior chefs during preparation and service
• A good understanding of food costs, stock control and kitchen profitability
• A commitment to delivering outstanding food quality and guest satisfaction
• The ability to build positive, professional relationships across the business
• A proactive approach to maintaining high standards, even during busy services
• Previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef or in a similar leadership role would be advantageous

If you're ready to take the next step in your career as a Head Chef in Croydon, this is an excellent opportunity to combine your passion for great food with the chance to lead, develop and inspire a kitchen team.

Location - Croydon