Head Chef

Cherryred Recruitment; London Borough of Croydon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous tronc

Staff discounts

Company benefits

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

We are recruiting for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a high-end gastro pub just outside Croydon. This hands-on leadership role focuses on delivering exceptional, seasonal dishes and maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation.

You will manage a passionate kitchen team, oversee day-to-day operations, GP and labour costs, HACCP and safety, while ensuring excellent customer experiences and continued menu development.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready for next step.
• Background in high-quality fresh food kitchens.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.
• Experience managing kitchen finances, stock, GP and labour.
• Attention to detail and passion for exceptional food.
• Proactive, forward-thinking and able to perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a passionate kitchen team.
• Deliver high-quality fresh food using seasonal ingredients.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Ensure food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Control GP, labour costs and budgets.
• Oversee HACCP, health & safety, ordering, stock and rotas.
• Train, mentor and develop junior chefs.
• Maintain cleanliness and kitchen hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with senior management to drive the business forward.

Job description

Head Chef - High-End Gastro Pub

Croydon

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 + Generous Tronc

Are you an experienced Head Chef looking for your next challenge in a stunning countryside setting?

We are recruiting for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a beautiful, high-end gastro pub nestled in the countryside, just outside Croydon. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and highly respected hospitality company with an excellent reputation for investing in its people and delivering exceptional fresh food.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, leading from the front and inspiring your team to consistently deliver outstanding food. Working with the finest seasonal ingredients, you'll create exceptional dishes while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency and presentation.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a hardworking, forward-thinking chef who thrives in a busy fresh food environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a passionate kitchen team.
• Deliver consistently high-quality fresh food using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
• Manage all day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Control GP, labour costs and kitchen budgets.
• Complete all back-of-house administration, including HACCP, health & safety, ordering, stock control and rotas.
• Train, mentor and develop junior chefs.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and kitchen compliance.
• Work closely with senior management to drive the business forward and continually improve the food offering.

About You

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or an experienced Senior Sous Chef ready for the next step.
• A proven background in high-quality fresh food kitchens.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.
• Experience managing kitchen finances, stock, GP and labour.
• A meticulous eye for detail and a genuine passion for exceptional food.
• A proactive, forward-thinking attitude and the ability to perform under pressure.
• A commitment to developing and inspiring their team.

What's on Offer

• £45,000 to £50,000 salary
• Generous tronc on top of salary
• Join a successful, long-established hospitality company with an excellent reputation.
• Work in a stunning gastro pub surrounded by the beautiful Kent countryside.
• Fresh, seasonal menus with quality ingredients.
• Excellent career progression opportunities.
• Supportive senior management team.
• Staff discounts and company benefits.
• Be part of a business that genuinely values its people.

If you're an ambitious Head Chef with a passion for fresh food and strong kitchen leadership, we'd love to hear from you.