Head Chef

Marston's PLC; Northampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned hospitality company in Northampton is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team. Responsibilities include maintaining food safety and quality standards, inspiring the kitchen with a positive attitude, and contributing to career development opportunities within the organization. This role offers a competitive salary of up to £34,000 per annum and various perks such as employee discounts and a performance-related bonus scheme.

Benefits

Performance related bonus

30% off in pubs, restaurants, and hotels

Access to training and development programs

Private healthcare scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a Kitchen Manager/Head Chef role or ready to step up from a Sous/Second Chef position.
• Ability to consistently meet food and hygiene standards.
• Strong communication skills with kitchen and pub teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team and set standards across the kitchen.
• Maintain food quality and speed of service targets.
• Create a positive atmosphere in the kitchen and restaurant.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food safety standards

Team leadership

Positive attitude

Job description

About the role

We're on the lookout for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team! What makes this opportunity even better? You'll enjoy the security and peace of mind that comes with a permanent salaried contract, so you can plan and build your future knowing you'll receive a regular, reliable salary each month, along with fantastic career development opportunities. Lead a team to success in our kitchen. You'll be responsible for raising the bar and setting the standards across your kitchen. Playing a key part in the pub management team, you'll strive to create memorable experiences that leave our guests wanting to come back for more. Our kitchen is where it's at: As well as having a passion for food, you'll jump at the opportunity to grow, develop and retain a motivated kitchen team in one of our pubs across the country. As a Head Chef: You'll have experience in a similar Kitchen Manager/ Head Chef role or be ready to step up from a Sous/ Second Chef position.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all food and hygiene standards are consistently met
• Have a positive attitude and the ability to create a buzz in your kitchen
• Achieve the highest standards, ensuring the business is safe and that food quality and speed of service targets are met
• Maintain clear communication with your kitchen and wider pub team
• Take pride in the meals that you and your team produce

What comes next is up to you: Whether you'd like to progress your skills further in the Head Chef role or explore wider opportunities across our pub, hotels and pub support centre we have a range of career pathways to suit all.

Come as you are. Personality counts for more than anything else here. We'll accept you and celebrate you for being you. We can't wait to see what we can make happen together. Marston's could be the making of you.

Salary & Hours

Up to £34,000 per annum, 45 hours per week. Performance related bonus. Reliable hours contract (or salaried in certain sites). Privilege card discount: Marston's Rewards.

What you get from us

• A performance related bonus
• 30% off at all our pubs, restaurants, and hotels
• A salaried contract, to give you the security you deserve
• Exciting range of high street, online discounts and cashback offers
• Scope to build your career and progress through our Chef Development Programme including access to our innovative app-based training
• Access to Licensed Trade Charity for financial, mental, and emotional well-being support
• Wellbeing support from Licensed Trade Charity
• Competitive salaries and performance related bonus schemes
• Long service awards for key anniversaries
• Food and drink discounts: 30% off food & drink in our pubs, and £4.50 refuel at work meal deal whilst on shift
• Pension scheme membership for salaried roles. Auto enrolment for hourly paid roles.
• Private healthcare scheme (some roles)
• High street, online discounts and cashback offers available for all
• Employee discount: 30% on Marston's food and hotel stays
• Training and development: extensive apprenticeship offer, dedicated L&D teams, award winning e-learning platforms
• Award winning: named one of the UK's Top 100 employers and #1 in pub sector for 2025