Head Chef

Somerset Jobs Ltd; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A country pub in Taunton is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead their kitchen. The role involves managing a team, creating seasonal menus, and ensuring food quality and safety standards. Ideal candidates should have experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef with a passion for fresh ingredients and pub dining. This position offers a competitive salary, creative freedom, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Supportive team environment

Creative freedom in menu development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
• A passion for pub dining and fresh ingredients.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team to deliver high standards.
• Create and develop seasonal menus using fresh ingredients.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are met.

Skills

Leading a kitchen team

Creating seasonal menus

Food quality and hygiene standards

Stock management

Training junior staff

Job description

Head Chef – Country Foodie Pub

We’re looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen at our much-loved country foodie pub. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative chef who thrives in a fresh-food environment and enjoys producing high-quality, seasonal dishes.

Hours: 45 hours per week
Salary: £16–£18 per hour (DOE)
Location: Nr Taunton

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage the kitchen team to deliver consistently high standards

• Create and develop seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients

• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, and consistency

• Ensure all food safety, hygiene, and kitchen management standards are met

• Manage stock, ordering, waste control, and kitchen budgets

• Train, motivate, and support junior team members

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up

• A passion for pub dining, fresh ingredients, and creative menus

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Ability to work efficiently and calmly in a busy kitchen

• Knowledge of GP management, ordering systems, and food safety regulations

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate (£16 – £18 DOE)

• Supportive ownership and friendly team environment

• Creative freedom to influence menus

• Opportunity to be part of a respected foodie destination

If you’re a motivated, skilled chef who loves great food and wants to make your mark in a country pub with a strong reputation, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now by sending your CV