Head Chef

Chestnut; Saxmundham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ship at Dunwich, part of the Chestnut collection, is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead its kitchen team. The role involves crafting seasonal menus, managing staff, and ensuring exceptional dining experiences through high-quality food standards and creative culinary strategies. Join a vibrant team, enjoy flexible working hours, and benefit from various employee perks.

Benefits

Team and individual rewards

Flexible hours

Food and room discounts

Opportunities for career growth

Access to Chestnut Hub with discounts

High-quality staff meals

Employee recognition prizes

Referral scheme with bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience in designing seasonal menus.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills for kitchen staff.
• Proven ability in ensuring high-quality food standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and ensure high standards in food preparation.
• Recruit and train kitchen staff while promoting a collaborative environment.
• Design unique seasonal menus aligned with the restaurant’s vision.

Skills

Culinary creativity

Team management

Inventory management

Health and safety compliance

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

The Ship at Dunwich, part of the Chestnut collection, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. We pride ourselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, culinary creativity, and providing an exceptional dining experience for our guests.

About The Ship

Located near the beach, our pub features open log fires in winter and sheltered outdoor areas in autumn and spring. We serve simple, beautifully cooked seasonal food, complemented by a pint of beer or a glass of wine.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal menus that showcase creativity and align with Chestnut’s vision.
• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive environment.
• Ensure all dishes meet high standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
• Oversee kitchen operations, including inventory management, cost control, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Manage dry stock effectively.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to maintain a motivated team and positive work environment.

Why Join Us?

• Incentives: Enjoy team and individual rewards, staff days out, and trips abroad.
• Flexible Hours: Support for maintaining work-life balance.
• Tips: Earn tips on top of competitive hourly pay, with tracking via Wagestream.

Perks of Working with Us

• Be part of a friendly, supportive team across multiple Chestnut properties.
• Additional tips on top of pay.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• A vibrant, community-focused environment.
• Food and room discounts for friends.
• Access to the Chestnut Hub with high street discounts.
• High-quality staff meals.
• Industry-recognized qualifications.
• Employee recognition prizes.
• Referral scheme earning up to £1500 per successful referral.

About Chestnut

Located in East Anglia, we are a growing group of pubs with rooms and Bottle Shops. We value our team members and offer flexible hours to suit personal commitments, always striving to do our best for our staff.