Head Chef

Shepherd Neame Limited; Rochester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of tips

Early wage withdrawal

Food and drink discount at pubs

Discount on hotel stays

Staff shop discounts

Mental health platform

Pension

Career development

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame is seeking a Head Chef at The Crown in Rochester to lead our kitchen, drive menu development, and ensure exceptional food quality. You will manage a team, control costs, and maintain high standards of hygiene and service.

Join Britain’s oldest brewer in a pub setting, with opportunities to shape menus, train staff, and contribute to guest experiences in a historic location.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead a kitchen team to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Experience in menu planning, costing, and service delivery.
• Strong hygiene, safety, and compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations from menu planning to service delivery.
• Lead and develop the kitchen team to maintain high standards.
• Ensure dishes meet company specifications and presentation quality.
• Manage stock, ordering, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain strict hygiene and safety standards across the kitchen.
• Drive menu development and seasonal specials.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Team motivation

Cost control

Job description

Royal Crown

Employment type: Full Time

Contract: Permanent

Salary: per annum

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

Situated in the High Street in the historic town of Rochester in Kent, The Crown is a traditional pub offering a warm welcome, great food and drink.

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 and enjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.
• Pride and Passion – you care about quality, presentation and ensure 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.

Ready to bring your personality and passion to the kitchen?

Head Chef

Royal Crown

Permanent

per annum