Head Chef

Black Swan; Slaugham; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tip share

Profit sharing

Pension

Health cover

Wellbeing support

Discounts

Job summary

Hall & Woodhouse presents a Head Chef role at the Black Swan pub, a 19th-century pub within our Dorset-based family of pubs. You’ll lead a high-energy kitchen, deliver top-quality fayre to brand specifications, and drive a performance-focused team in a welcoming, sustainable environment.

We offer a 5-day week, a competitive package up to £43K plus tips, profit share, pension and health benefits, with opportunities for career progression and a supportive, people-first culture.

Qualifications

• Highly organized Head Chef with experience delivering high-quality fayre to central spec's.
• Experience leading a high-performing kitchen team in a busy pub/restaurant environment.
• Strong awareness of food safety, allergen management, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team to deliver brand-standard menus.
• Ensure dishes are prepared to specification and consistently high quality.
• Manage kitchen operations, shift scheduling and food cost controls.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Kitchen leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Allergen management

Organization

Job description

£43K + Tips + Profit Share + Benefits + 5 days working .....

About Hall & Woodhouse

Hall & Woodhouse is the Dorset based brewer that owns over 150 high end pub restaurants and inns throughout the South of England. Founded in 1777 we are a family owned company that blends the best traditional values with a progressive and inclusive approach to business. H&W holds a Sponsor License and could consider applications from Head Chefs already in the UK working under SOC 5434.

Black Swan - Glorious 19th Century Pub

Part of the Hall & Woodhouse family of fabulous food pubs, and located just 1 mile from the M23 and Pease Pottage services, the Black Swan is the perfect example of a quality and friendly English pub. Family friendly with a large garden, function room, great food, drinks and coffee, a cosy bar and roaring fires, the Black Swan has been recently refurbished and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The pub, which dates back to the 19th century, had its name changed in the 1980s but when Hall & Woodhouse acquired the pub in 2001 they reinstated the ‘Black Swan’ as the name.

Head Chef – Join a Sunday Times Best Place to Work

Looking for your next big step in a kitchen that’s full of energy, passion, and purpose?

We’re searching for a Head Chef comfortable in working to brand spec's to lead a high‑performing team at one of the area's best venues.

Why you’ll love working with us:

• Real work–life balance with a 5‑day week, consistent hours, and excellent working conditions.
• Great package of up to £43K, depending on level of development in the role plus a share of tips.
• Profit share scheme and bonus – when the business thrives, so do you.
• Comprehensive lifestyle benefits, including pension, health cover, wellbeing support, discounts, and more.
• A vibrant, supportive team in a business driven by sustainability and an authentic people-first culture.
• Job security and clear career progression, backed by an award‑winning employer.
• All the support you need to succeed – we set you up to lead with confidence.

You’ll thrive here if you’re:

• A highly organized, skilled Head Chef with experience delivering high-quality fayre to central spec's
• Someone who enjoys the buzz and spotlight of a fast‑paced, prestige kitchen.
• A chef who truly cares – motivated, passionate, and committed to excellence.
• An expert in food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.
• Calm, dependable, and resilient under pressure, with a solutions‑first mindset.
• Strong in kitchen admin and happy in following precise cooking and presentation specifications.
• A positive, inspirational leader who builds, motivates, and supports diverse teams.
• Diligent about compliance and sustainability.
• Able to reliably manage the commute and flexible to work days, evenings, and weekends.
• Keen to join an employer that recognizes and rewards dedication and talent.

Previous experience as head of managed pub kitchen is a big advantage.

Ready to Lead?