Head Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Employee discounts

Wellbeing support

Staff benefits

Job summary

The Pavilion, part of Greene King, is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef to take ownership of a busy pub kitchen and lead the team to deliver great food and hospitality.

You will be responsible for maintaining high standards, ensuring kitchen safety and compliance, and driving operations during peak times and sporting events. This role offers opportunities to shape menus and kitchen culture within Greene King’s The Pavilion.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a kitchen in a busy pub environment.
• Strong understanding of day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Excellent knowledge of health & safety, food safety and kitchen compliance.
• Experience leading and developing a kitchen team.
• Commercial awareness, stock control and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team from the front and maintain high standards across food quality, presentation and service.
• Ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and compliant with health & safety requirements.
• Manage stock takes, ordering, rotation and wastage to control costs.
• Drive sales through great food, consistency and execution during busy services and events.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to hit pub food and commercial goals.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Food safety

Operations management

Team leadership

Job description

• Salary for Advertising: £36,000 - £40,000 + Bonus
• Dept. L4/House: Pavilion (Shepherds Bush) - 07891

Company Description

Kitchen Manager / Head Chef – The Pavilion

Ready to take the kitchen to the next level?

If you're an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef who knows what it takes to run a successful pub kitchen, lead a team and maintain exceptional standards, we could have the perfect opportunity for you at The Pavilion.

Built in 1861 as the Rifle Pavilion, this historic pub has evolved over the years but one thing has remained at its heart — great food and great hospitality.

Today, The Pavilion is a large, food-led pub with a fantastic location, a spacious conservatory and a covered outdoor area. And when Queens Park Rangers have a home game, you can expect the pub to really come alive!

Job Description

Why The Pavilion?

Food is at the heart of what we do.

From pub classics to new favourites, we're passionate about serving food that brings people together and delivering an experience that keeps customers coming back.

We're also a destination for live sport, showing everything from cricket and golf to rugby and football, meaning there are plenty of busy occasions throughout the year.

The Pavilion also hosts events and functions, giving the kitchen team the opportunity to deliver great food across a variety of occasions and customer experiences.

We're looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager who can take ownership of the kitchen, understand what makes a successful pub operation and lead the team from the front.

Qualifications

What’s the opportunity?

As Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring our food, people and processes are all working together to deliver great results.

You’ll:

• Take ownership of the kitchen and lead the team from the front.
• Maintain consistently high standards across food quality, presentation and service.
• Ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and in line with all health & safety requirements.
• Manage stock takes, ordering, stock rotation and wastage effectively.
• Keep on top of food safety, hygiene and compliance.
• Lead, coach and develop the kitchen team, understanding your people and getting the best from them.
• Organise the kitchen effectively to ensure we're ready for every service.
• Work closely with the General Manager to achieve the pub's food and commercial goals.
• Help drive sales through great food, consistency and excellent execution.
• Ensure the team is prepared for busy sporting occasions and key trading periods, including QPR home matchdays.
• Maintain strong kitchen processes and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.
• Bring new ideas to the menu and kitchen operation where appropriate.
• Build a positive kitchen culture where people know what's expected and are proud of what they deliver.

This is a role where experience really matters. We’re looking for someone who understands pub kitchens, knows how to manage the operation and can confidently take charge.

We’re looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager / Head Chef who:

• Has proven experience managing a kitchen, ideally within a busy pub environment.
• Has a strong understanding of day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Is confident managing and leading a kitchen team.
• Has excellent knowledge of health & safety, food safety and kitchen compliance.
• Understands stock control, stock takes, stock rotation and wastage management.
• Is commercially aware and understands the importance of food GP and controlling costs.
• Can organise and prioritise effectively during busy services.
• Takes pride in maintaining consistently high food standards.
• Understands their team and knows how to motivate, coach and develop people.
• Leads from the front and isn't afraid to get stuck in.
• Is calm, organised and confident when the kitchen gets busy.
• Has a genuine passion for food and hospitality.
• Has a background in pubs or a similar high-volume hospitality environment.
• Wants to make a real impact and continue developing their career with Greene King.

Additional Information

More than a kitchen. A chance to make your mark.

The Pavilion is a busy, food-led pub with a great location, a strong sporting connection and plenty of opportunity.

We’re looking for someone who can take ownership, lead the team and drive the kitchen forward — someone who understands that great food starts with great people, great processes and great standards.

If you’re an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef ready for your next challenge, this could be your opportunity to put your stamp on The Pavilion.

And there’s plenty in it for you...

• Training and development at every level, including apprenticeships.
• 33% employee discount and 15% discount for loved ones across Greene King brands.
• 50% employee and 25% loved ones discount at Greene King Inns and hotels.
• Employee Assistance Programme supporting mental health, wellbeing and financial/legal advice.
• Enhanced family-friendly maternity and paternity policies.
• Menopause Friendly Employer.
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £1,500.
• Wagestream – access to your pay as you earn.
• Retail discounts, including up to 30% at Superdrug and Three Mobile.

CREATING PLACES WHERE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME, SAFE AND THAT THEY BELONG

We aim to embed inclusion into every decision we make – across our people, customers, communities, suppliers, and operations. We want to create a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive.

Bring your experience. Lead the kitchen. Raise the standard.

If you’re an experienced Kitchen Manager or Head Chef who is ready to take ownership of a busy pub kitchen and lead a team to success, we’d love to hear from you.