HEAD CHEF, DESTINATION GASTRO PUB

COREcruitment Ltd; Letchworth; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two-bedroom flat available

Pet-friendly accommodation

£350 per bedroom per month

Job summary

COREcruitment Ltd is sourcing a Head Chef for a destination gastro pub in Northamptonshire. The role offers leadership of a 6-chef kitchen, ownership of the food operation, and development of seasonal, quality-led menus. You will work with the owner to establish standards, oversee events, and mentor apprentices.

The package includes a £42,000–£50,000 salary with a £4,000–£5,000 bonus, and accommodation options are available. ASAP start with genuine opportunity to influence future growth.

Qualifications

• Experienced Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Background in a quality gastro pub, restaurant or similar operation.
• Commercially aware and comfortable with a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead a kitchen team of around 6 chefs, including 2 apprentices
• Take ownership of the food operation and kitchen standards
• Develop seasonal, quality-led gastro pub menus
• Work alongside the owner initially before taking full control of the kitchen
• Maintain the existing food identity while bringing your own ideas
• Oversee restaurant service, weddings, functions and events
• Manage ordering, stock, GP, wastage and kitchen costs
• Develop and mentor junior chefs and apprentices
• Work closely with local colleges and support new talent
• Help drive the business forward as part of a longer-term investment plan

Skills

Head chef experience

Gastro pub background

Leadership

Menu development

Ownership mindset

Job description

HEAD CHEF | DESTINATION GASTRO PUB

£42,000–£50,000 Bonus
Accommodation Available
Northamptonshire

We’re working with an established, food-led destination gastro pub with a strong reputation for quality, a loyal customer base and a real sense of identity. Food accounts for around 70% of the business, with a busy restaurant operation alongside weddings, functions and events. The venue has already picked up industry recognition and now has ambitions to build further, including working towards Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs and Bib Gourmand recognition.

This is an opportunity for a chef to take genuine ownership of the kitchen and become part of the next stage of the business.

THE ROLE

• Lead a kitchen team of around 6 chefs, including 2 apprentices
• Take ownership of the food operation and kitchen standards
• Develop seasonal, quality-led gastro pub menus
• Work alongside the owner initially before taking full control of the kitchen
• Maintain the existing food identity while bringing your own ideas
• Oversee restaurant service, weddings, functions and events
• Manage ordering, stock, GP, wastage and kitchen costs
• Develop and mentor junior chefs and apprentices
• Work closely with local colleges and support new talent
• Help drive the business forward as part of a longer-term investment plan

THE PERSON

• Experienced Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up
• Background in a quality gastro pub, restaurant or similar operation
• Commercially aware and comfortable with a busy kitchen
• Passionate about good produce and consistent cooking
• Someone with energy, ambition and a desire to make things better
• You don’t need a Rosette-heavy CV. Experience, attitude and the ability to take ownership matter more

THE PACKAGE

• £42,000–£45,000 salary
• £4,000–£5,000 potential bonus
• Two-bedroom flat available
• Pet-friendly accommodation
• £350 per bedroom per month
• ASAP start available
• Genuine opportunity to influence the future of an established business

If you’re a Sous Chef ready for your first Head Chef role, or an established Head Chef looking for somewhere you can genuinely make your mark.