Head Chef

Shepherd Neame Ltd; Dorking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic pub company in Dorking is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead their kitchen team. This role requires previous senior chef experience and a dedication to delivering a high-quality customer experience. The position offers a competitive salary, bonus scheme, private healthcare, and various discounts. The successful candidate will foster an inclusive culture and work alongside the General Manager to achieve customer satisfaction and business growth.

Benefits

Competitive annual salary package

Bonus Scheme

Private healthcare scheme

Early wage withdrawal scheme

25% discount on food and drink

25% discount on hotel bookings

Up to 40% discount at Visitor Centre

Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform

Company pension plan

Opportunities for development & movement

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Previous experience at a senior chef level.
• Ability to lead and develop a kitchen team.
• Commitment to customer satisfaction and service.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the General Manager to deliver key objectives.
• Create an inclusive culture within the kitchen.
• Deliver high quality kitchen service to customers.

Job description

Head Chef

Shepherd Neame is on the lookout for a dynamic Head Chef to join our team, so if you have previous experience at a senior chef level and you are looking for a new and rewarding challenge in the kitchen; this may be just the job for you.

An historic high-street pub in Dorking, Surrey, the King's Arms boasts a warm welcome and fantastic food and drink. Built in 1405, it's believed Charles II once stayed at the pub during its days as a coaching inn, while Charles Dickens wrote about the place in his novel Little Dorrit. It has four levels of cosy alcoves and original oak-beamed ceilings to explore indoors, and two fabulous courtyard gardens outside.

We know that an excellent Head Chef is one of the most key ingredients to a successful kitchen, so this role will see you working alongside the General Manager to deliver key objectives, customer satisfaction and growth at your site. Supporting the creation of an inclusive culture within the business, you will lead and develop your team to deliver an efficient, high quality kitchen service to our customers.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Competitive annual salary package
• Bonus Scheme
• Private healthcare scheme
• Early wage withdrawal scheme
• 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
• 25% discount on overnight Managed House Hotel bookings
• Up to 40% discount on select purchases from the Visitor Centre Shop at Faversham
• Sheps Hut discounts and special offers hub on 100's of high street shops and services
• Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
• Company pension plan
• The opportunity to develop & move within our pubs, the Brewery & Support Office
• Flexible working hours

Shepherd Neame may be Britain's oldest brewer but our approach is anything but old-fashioned. We are an authentic, independent business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive based on the following Sheps Skills:

• Working Together
• Pride and Passion
• Authenticity
• Sheps Spirit

WHO ARE WE?

Britain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. An independent family business, we boast an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline. We employ around 1,500 team members across our pub estate and more than 270 at our Brewery and Support Office.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion matter to Shepherd Neame. If you think you would be suited this role we would welcome your application regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

Head Chef

Shepherd Neame
\u0064orking, UK
Permanent

Published on 4 Feb 2026

Shepherd Neame is on the lookout for a dynamic Head Chef to join our team, so if you have previous experience at a senior chef level and you are looking for a new and rewarding challenge in the kitchen; this may be just the job for you.

An historic high-street pub in Dorking, Surrey, the King's Arms boasts a warm welcome and fantastic food and drink. Built in 1405, it's believed Charles II once stayed at the pub during its days as a coaching inn, while Charles Dickens wrote about the place in his novel Little Dorrit. It has four levels of cosy alcoves and original oak-beamed ceilings to explore indoors, and two fabulous courtyard gardens outside.

We know that an excellent Head Chef is one of the most key ingredients to a successful kitchen, so this role will see you working alongside the General Manager to deliver key objectives, customer satisfaction and growth at your site. Supporting the creation of an inclusive culture within the business, you will lead and develop your team to deliver an efficient, high quality kitchen service to our customers.