Head Chef

Harri; Tring; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% off food

20% off drinks

28 days holiday

Staff discount

Team socials

Sharers

Job summary

The Grand Junction Arms in Tring is seeking a Head Chef to lead a fresh-food kitchen delivering high standards and seasonal dishes.

You will develop menus, manage a skilled kitchen team, and drive profitability through GP, labour and compliance while working with local suppliers. Enjoy strong autonomy and a collaborative, supportive management team.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef experience in high-volume, fresh-food pub/restaurant.
• Creative craft for seasonal pub food and consistency under pressure.
• Strong leadership to recruit, motivate and retain a kitchen team.
• Commercial awareness — manage margins, labour and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a fresh-food kitchen delivering consistent quality and standards.
• Write menus, create seasonal specials and event dishes.
• Train and motivate the kitchen team to realise potential.
• Drive GP, labour and compliance through strong financial controls.
• Build relationships with local suppliers and champion seasonal produce.
• Run efficient kitchen operations with digital systems and best-practice processes.

Skills

Head Chef leadership

Menu development

Financial management

Team building

Communication

Job description

Head Chef – The Grand Junction Arms, Tring

£50,000–£60,000 OTE

About us

At Craft Locals, we pride ourselves on our passion for hospitality, great beer and great food.

The Grand Junction Arms is a landmark canalside pub at Bulbourne, just outside Tring. With vast gardens, outdoor bars and a reputation for fresh, seasonal food, summers here are massive – and we’re reopening with a fresh start.

What’s in it for you

• Influence: Real input into menus, seasonal dishes, specials and events
• Perks: 50% off food & 20% off drinks across the group, 28 days holiday, staff discount, team socials, sharers
• Training & development: Supplier visits, brewery trips and regular food development opportunities
• Work/life balance: We believe in working to live, not living to work — we rota fairly and sustainably
• Autonomy: The freedom to run your kitchen properly, with head office support not interference

What you’ll be doing

• Leading a fresh-food kitchen delivering consistent quality and standards
• Writing menus, creating seasonal specials and designing dishes for events
• Managing, motivating and training the kitchen team to reach their potential
• Driving GP, labour and compliance through strong financial management
• Building relationships with local suppliers and championing seasonal produce
• Running efficient kitchen operations with digital systems and best practice processes

What we’re looking for

• Proven Head Chef experience in a high-volume, fresh-food pub or restaurant (not a first appointment)
• A creative chef with a passion for seasonal pub food and consistency under pressure
• A strong leader who can recruit, motivate and retain their team
• Commercial awareness — confident managing food margins, labour and compliance
• Organised, energetic and committed to delivering quality every service
• A great communicator who works closely with the GM and FOH team
• This is a rare opportunity to take charge of a flagship kitchen, shape the menus, and lead a talented team in one of Hertfordshire’s most exciting pub reopenings.