Head Chef

Platinum Recruitment Consultancy; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term accommodation

Four-day working pattern

Excellent work-life balance

Job summary

Platinum Recruitment Consultancy is seeking a Head Chef for a Shaftesbury venue. The role offers £40,000-£48,000 plus approximately £4,000-£5,000 in tips and a four-day working pattern with Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays off.

You will lead the kitchen, shape seasonal menus with full input, and manage 40-60 covers daily while maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene.

Qualifications

• Head Chef with proven leadership in busy kitchen.
• Strong menu planning and development skills.
• Experience catering for functions and private events.
• Hands-on approach with attention to detail.
• Good leadership and kitchen management skills.
• Experience in independent family-owned environments.

Responsibilities

• Own and shape the kitchen and food offering.
• Lead and support the kitchen team during service.
• Plan and develop seasonal menus with input.
• Create bespoke menus for regular functions (25–30 covers).
• Maintain high standards across 40–60 covers per day.
• Manage kitchen organisation, ordering and stock control.
• Ensure excellent food quality, presentation and hygiene.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Kitchen management

Food safety

Team motivation

Job description

Head Chef | £50,000+ package | Excellent work-life balance

Head Chef opportunity in Shaftesbury with a £50,000+ package, menu autonomy and Sunday evenings, Mondays and Tuesdays off.

Why apply / What's in it for you?

• £40,000-£48,000 salary depending on experience
• Approx. £4,000-£5,000 in tips
• Sunday evenings, Mondays and Tuesdays off
• Short-term accommodation available if relocating
• Full menu autonomy and input into bespoke function menus
• Family-owned business with a friendly, hands-on approach
• Excellent work-life balance with a consistent four-day working pattern
• Conveniently located and commutable from Gillingham, Wincanton and Sherborne

Key Responsibilities

• As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of the kitchen and play a key role in shaping the food offering.
• Lead and support the kitchen team across daily service
• Plan and develop seasonal menus with full creative input
• Create bespoke menus for regular functions of around 25-30 covers
• Maintain consistently high standards across 40-60 covers per day
• Manage kitchen organisation, ordering and stock control
• Ensure excellent food quality, presentation and hygiene standards

What we're looking for

We're looking for an experienced Chef who is confident leading a busy kitchen and enjoys having a genuine say in the food offering.

• Previous Head Chef experience in a busy pub, hotel or restaurant
• Strong menu planning and development skills
• Experience catering for functions and private events
• A hands-on approach with excellent attention to detail
• Good leadership and kitchen management skills
• Someone who enjoys working within an independent, family-owned environment

Job Number │ 48962 / INDSOTONCHEF

Location │ Shaftesbury

Role │ Head Chef