Head Chef Designate + Tronc

Peat Spade Inn; Longstock; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real work/life balance

Tronc scheme

Chef whites

Career development

Discounts on food & accommodation

Job summary

Upham Inns is seeking a Head Chef Designate to lead a vibrant, fresh food kitchen within our Southern England pubs. This role offers a clear path to Head Chef and rewards strong leadership, food quality and hygiene.

You will drive from-scratch cooking, coach you team and maintain 5-star standards in a busy environment, with real work/life balance and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Seasonal, from-scratch cooking with quality ingredients.
• Leadership-ready within 12 months for Kitchen headship.
• Ability to coach and inspire a high-performing team.
• Commitment to 5-star hygiene and consistency.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and mentor junior chefs.
• Maintain high standards and seasonal menu quality.
• Drive efficiency in a fast-paced, fresh food environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Coaching

Hygiene standards

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 Southern England, each one unique, 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.