Head Chef

Shepherd Neame Ltd; Thames Ditton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay plus tips

Early wage withdrawal scheme

25% discount on food and drink at Pub/

25% discount on overnight stays at our

Up to 40% off select purchases from Vc

Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut on 


Access to a Workplace Mental Health_Pl

Company pension plan

Career development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame Ltd seeks a Head Chef to take full responsibility for the kitchen at the Village HQ, George & Dragon in Thames Ditton. You will lead the kitchen team, plan menus, and ensure exceptional quality and consistency in every dish.

You will drive cost efficiency, maintain hygiene standards, and collaborate with the General Manager to create outstanding guest experiences with seasonal menus and live sports offerings.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team.
• Strong focus on quality, presentation and consistency.
• Experience in menu development and seasonal specials.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations from menu planning to service delivery.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team to high standards.
• Ensure dishes meet company specifications and quality.
• Manage stock, ordering and cost control.
• Maintain hygiene, safety and compliance standards.
• Drive innovation through menu development and seasonal offers.
• Collaborate with General Manager to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Menu planning

Cost control

Hygiene & safety

Staff development

Education

Head Chef experience

Job description

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 Known by locals as Village HQ, the George & Dragon is a traditional English pub with a menu that celebrates the absolute best of British. A large, open garden space is perfect for summer evenings. For our sports lovers we have indoor and outdoor TV's screening all the latest live sports.

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.

Benefits

• 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

• 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?