Head Chef

Marston's PLC; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pub management company in the UK seeks a Kitchen Manager to lead a kitchen team. You will ensure food quality and hygiene standards while creating a positive atmosphere. Ideal candidates have a background in kitchen management or experience as a Sous Chef, alongside a passion for food. The role offers up to £16.50/hour with performance bonuses, flexible hours, and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Up to £16.50 per hour

Performance-related bonus

30% discount across all venues

Flexible and part-time hours

Career progression through Chef Development Programme

Access to wellbeing support

Company pension scheme

Private healthcare options

Possible on-site accommodation

Qualifications

• Background in a Kitchen Manager/Head Chef role or experienced Sous/Second Chef.
• Passion for food and ability to lead a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Ensure food and hygiene standards are met.
• Create a positive kitchen atmosphere.
• Achieve food quality and service speed targets.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen and pub team.
• Take pride in meal production.

Skills

Leadership

Food quality management

Team development

Hygiene standards

Job description

Overview

Lead a team to success in our kitchen. You'll be responsible for raising the bar and setting standards across your kitchen. As a key part of the pub management team, you’ll strive to create memorable experiences that leave our guests wanting to come back for more. You’ll grow, develop and retain a motivated kitchen team in one of our pubs across the country. Come as you are – personality counts for more than anything else here. We’ll accept you and celebrate you for being you, and we can’t wait to see what we can make happen together.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all food and hygiene standards are consistently met.
• Have a positive attitude and create a buzz in your kitchen.
• Achieve the highest standards, ensuring the business is safe and that food quality and speed of service targets are met.
• Maintain clear communication with your kitchen and wider pub team.
• Take pride in the meals that you and your team produce.

Qualifications & Experience

We’re looking for someone with a background in a similar Kitchen Manager/Head Chef role, or a strong candidate ready to step up from a Sous/Second Chef position. A passion for food and the ability to lead and develop a team are essential.

What We Offer

• Up to £16.50 per hour, 45 hours per week.
• Performance‑related bonus.
• Reliable hours contract (or salaried on certain sites).
• Privilege card discount with 30% off at all our pubs, restaurants, hotels and exclusive online offers.
• Flexible and part‑time hours available.
• Exciting range of high‑street, online discounts and cashback offers.
• Career progression through our Chef Development Programme and access to innovative training.
• Access to Licensed Trade Charity support for wellbeing.
• Company pension scheme, private healthcare options, and auto‑enrolment.
• Possible accommodation on site for selected roles.

Why Marston’s

Marston’s has been voted Best Pub Employer (501+ Employees) at The Publican 2024 Awards and is named one of the UK’s Top 100 employers and #1 in the pub sector for 2025. We put our people first and offer real benefits that support your wellbeing and career growth.