Head Chef

Red Lion; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real work/life balance

Tronc scheme

Chef whites

Career development

Generous discounts

Job summary

Upham Inns is seeking a Head Chef Designate to lead our fresh food kitchen and guide a team to deliver high-quality, seasonal menus in a busy pub environment. You will step up from Sous Chef and move toward Head Chef with strong leadership and a passion for consistency.

You'll coach, inspire and uphold 5-star hygiene standards while cooking from scratch with quality ingredients. We offer real work/life balance, a generous tip scheme, chef whites, and clear career development into Head Chef and

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef aiming to Head Chef leadership
• Proven ability to coach and inspire teams
• Strong commitment to quality, standards and hygiene (5-star)

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations with a hands-on approach
• Coach, develop and motivate the team to achieve high performance
• Ensure high hygiene standards and consistency in food quality
• Cook from scratch using seasonal ingredients
• Drive energy, pace and a proactive mindset in a busy pub kitchen

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Culinary excellence

Hygiene standards

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Ready to Take the Leap into Head Chef Leadership?

Are you an experienced Sous Chef with your eyes set on leading your own kitchen within the next 12 months? Or perhaps you're already a Head Chef looking for a fresh start in a growing company that truly values its people? If so, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

We’re on the hunt for a passionate, quality-driven Head Chef Designate to join our vibrant, fresh food kitchen operation. This is your chance to step up and shine in a business that’s going places – fast!

What’s in it for you?

• Real work/life balance – we genuinely mean it!
• Tronc scheme – 100% of tips go to our team.
• Chef whites – we’ve got you covered.
• Career development – a clear path to Head Chef and beyond.
• Generous discounts – up to 50% off food and accommodation across our pubs and Charming Bedrooms.

A Role You’ll Be Proud Of

We’re looking for a natural leader – someone who:

• Loves cooking from scratch with quality, seasonal ingredients
• Thrives in a fast-paced, fresh food environment
• Knows how to coach, inspire and bring out the best in their team
• Has a passion for consistency, standards and 5-star hygiene
• Brings energy, positivity and a “let’s get it done” attitude

This isn’t a role for the faint-hearted. We’re busy, and we’re only getting busier – but if you love a challenge, you’ll thrive here.

Who are we?

We’re Upham Inns – a collection of premium pubs across Southern England, each one unique, full of character, and rooted in its local community. We serve high-quality, seasonal food in warm, welcoming pubs – many with charming bedrooms too.

We’ve also recently launched Harper’s Steakhouse – a fresh, bold take on the American steakhouse, and it’s already making waves.

Why Join Us?

We’re growing fast – and we want you to grow with us. We invest in our people, we value individuality, and we’re building something special.

We’re big enough to support you with great opportunities, yet small enough to know your name. If you’re ready to make your mark and join a passionate, friendly team where your ideas count – then we’d love to hear from you.

Your next chapter starts here. Ready? Let’s cook.