Head Chef Designate

Premium Suburban Inns; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant kitchen operation in Thatcham, England is seeking a Head Chef Designate. This role is perfect for a passionate Sous Chef or an existing Head Chef looking for a fresh start. You'll lead a dynamic team, maintain high standards, and ensure everything is cooked from scratch using quality ingredients. The company values work/life balance and offers significant career development opportunities. If you're ready for a challenge and want to grow with a team that wants to invest in you, this could be your perfect fit.

Benefits

Real work/life balance

Tronc scheme for tips

Career development opportunities

Generous discounts up to 50%

Qualifications

• Has experience as a Sous Chef or already a Head Chef.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, fresh food environment.
• Passionate about using quality, seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team and ensure high standards.
• Inspire and coach team members to perform their best.
• Maintain consistency in food preparation and hygiene.

Skills

Cooking from scratch

Team coaching

5-star hygiene standards

Energy and positivity

Job description

Ready to Take the Leap into Head Chef Leadership?

Are you an experienced Sous Chef with your eyes set on leading your own kitchen within the next 12 months? Or perhaps you're already a Head Chef looking for a fresh start in a growing company that truly values its people? If so, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

We’re on the hunt for a passionate, quality-driven Head Chef Designate to join our vibrant, fresh food kitchen operation. This is your chance to step up and shine in a business that’s going places – fast!

What’s in it for you?

• Real work/life balance – we genuinely mean it!
• Tronc scheme – 100% of tips go to our team.
• Chef whites – we’ve got you covered.
• Career development – a clear path to Head Chef and beyond.
• Generous discounts – up to 50% off food and accommodation across our pubs and Charming Bedrooms.

A Role You’ll Be Proud Of

We’re looking for a natural leader – someone who:

• Loves cooking from scratch with quality, seasonal ingredients
• Thrives in a fast-paced, fresh food environment
• Knows how to coach, inspire and bring out the best in their team
• Has a passion for consistency, standards and 5‑star hygiene
• Brings energy, positivity and a “let’s get it done” attitude

This isn’t a role for the faint‑hearted. We’re busy, and we’re only getting busier – but if you love a challenge, you’ll thrive here.

Who are we?

We’re Upham Inns – a collection of premium pubs across , each one unique Southern England, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire, full of character, and rooted in its local community. We serve high-quality, seasonal food in warm, welcoming pubs—many with charming bedrooms too.

We’ve also recently launched Harper’s Steakhouse – a fresh, bold take on the American steakhouse, and it’s already making waves.

Why Join Us?

We’re growing fast – and we want you to grow with us. We invest in our people, we value individuality, and we’re building something special.

We’re big enough to support you with great opportunities, yet small enough to know your name. If you’re ready to make your mark and join a passionate, friendly team where your ideas count – then we’d love to hear from you.

Your next chapter starts here. Ready? Let’s cook.