Head Chef

Peoplebank; Maidstone; Remote; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay plus tips

Early wage withdrawal scheme

25% food & drink discounts

25% discount on overnight stays at her

Up to 40% off Visitor Centre Shop

Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut

Workplace Mental Health Platform

Company pension plan

Career development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame's Oak on the Green in Bearstead near Maidstone seeks a Head Chef to own the kitchen, lead a dedicated team, and deliver exceptional dishes that reflect our heritage and standards.

You will oversee menu planning, stock control, and hygiene, while driving cost efficiency and guest satisfaction in collaboration with the General Manager.

Qualifications

• Evidence of experience as Head Chef with leadership capabilities.
• Experience managing kitchen operations and delivering consistent quality.
• Strong knowledge of hygiene, food safety, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations from menu planning to service delivery.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to high standards.
• Ensure dishes are prepared and presented to company specifications.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
• Drive menu development and seasonal specials.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen operations

Menu planning

Stock control

Hygiene & safety

Team development

Job description

Employment type: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: to be discussed at venue

Head Chef – Lead Our Kitchen with Britain’s Oldest Brewer!

At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Head Chef, you’ll take full responsibility for the kitchen, leading your team to deliver exceptional quality and consistency. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef with strong leadership skills and a passion for creating outstanding dishes.

Where You’ll Be Working

Located in Bearstead, near Maidstone, the Oak on the Green sits on one of the prettiest village greens in England. Founded in 1665, the Oake Inn, famous visitors to the pub include Baroness Orczy, creator of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and Kent leg spin bowler Alfred Percy ‘Tich’ Freeman. Today, the Oak on the Green is renowned for using largely local produce throughout the extensive food menu offering both British and Mexican cuisine.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu planning to service delivery.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to achieve high standards.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to company specifications.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
• Drive innovation through menu development and seasonal specials.
• Work closely with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

What’s In It For You?

• Competitive hourly pay plus a share of tips
• Early wage withdrawal scheme
• 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
• 25% discount on overnight stays at Managed House Hotels
• Up to 40% off select purchases from our Visitor Centre Shop in Faversham
• Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut on hundreds of high street brands
• Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
• Company pension plan
• Career development opportunities across our pubs, Brewery, and Support Office
• Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle

What You’ll Need

We’re looking for behaviours that make a great Head Chef:

• Working Together – you inspire confidence, guide others positively andenjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.
• Pride and Passion – you care about quality, presentation andensure consistency and high standards.
• Sheps Spirit – you bring enthusiasm and a passion for food.
• Authenticity – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.

Why Shepherd Neame?

Our culture is built on Sheps Spirit, Working Together, Pride and Passion, and Authenticity—values that have guided us for over 300 years. When you join us, you become part of a team that celebrates tradition while shaping the future.