Head Chef: Lead High-Volume Pub Kitchen & Menu

COREcruitment; Greenwich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

COREcruitment, on behalf of a high-volume independent pub in East London, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen and shape the food operation. You will manage 200–300+ covers on busy weekend days, drive menu development and ensure consistent, high-quality fresh food across events and services.

You will own menu evolution, mentor a sizeable kitchen team and work closely with management to grow the business. £75,000 salary with real growth opportunity as the venue expands.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef experience in a busy pub or restaurant.
• Experience managing 200+ covers daily.
• Strong focus on fresh food and quality-led menus.
• Proven track record in menu development and seasonal specials.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Experience managing large events, weddings and private functions would be desirable.

Responsibilities

• Leading, developing and motivating a large kitchen team.
• Managing 200–300+ covers on busy weekend days.
• Running a high-volume, fresh food operation.
• Taking ownership of menu development and evolution of the offering.
• Creating seasonal menus and specials.
• Developing dishes balancing quality, creativity and commerciality.
• Maintaining food quality and consistency during peak service.
• Managing GP, food costs and labour.
• Ordering, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Kitchen systems, organisation and food safety.
• Recruitment, training and development of the team.
• Working with the wider management team.
• Planning and delivering large-scale events.
• Supporting weddings, private functions and other events.
• Helping shape the food operation as the business grows.

Skills

Head Chef

High-volume operation

Team leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

GP management

Job description

COREcruitment, on behalf of a high-volume independent pub in East London, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen and shape the food operation. You will manage 200–300+ covers on busy weekend days, drive menu development and ensure consistent, high-quality fresh food across events and services.

You will own menu evolution, mentor a sizeable kitchen team and work closely with management to grow the business. £75,000 salary with real growth opportunity as the venue expands.