Head Chef – Premium Gastropub

Trades Workforce Solutions; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant gastropub in the heart of Surrey seeks a confident Head Chef to lead a talented kitchen. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards during services, training staff, and managing kitchen operations. The role offers a £50,000 package, private healthcare, and staff discounts. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, experience in high-volume kitchens, and a passion for fresh cooking. This position requires the right to work in the UK.

Benefits

£50,000 package

Private healthcare

Staff discounts

Bi-annual staff parties

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef.
• Confident leader who thrives in a busy kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge of fresh, seasonal cooking.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team during busy services.
• Train junior chefs and develop menus.
• Manage kitchen operations, including rotas and food safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership in high-volume kitchens

Menu development

Food safety compliance

Butchery skills

Mentoring junior chefs

Attention to detail in ticket management

Job description

We’re working with a vibrant gastropub in the heart of Surrey, known for its loyal kitchen brigade, fantastic atmosphere and consistently high standards. They’re now looking for a confident, hands‑on Head Chef to lead the team and continue the venue’s strong performance.

This is a brilliant opportunity to take charge of a settled, talented kitchen where the pace is fast, the quality is high, and the team culture is excellent.

You’ll be wondering what’s in it for you as the Head Chef…

• £50,000 package
• Working 45 hours per week
• Lieu days
• Private healthcare and EAP access
• Discounts across hundreds of retailers, gyms and cinemas
• Staff discount
• Bi-annual staff parties

Responsibilities as the Head Chef…

• Leading from the front during busy services, running the pass and cooking alongside the team
• Keeping standards high during peak periods through clear communication and calm, organised leadership
• Using quieter moments for training, menu development, supplier planning and GP management
• Managing rotas, labour forecasting, performance reviews and general kitchen operations
• Maintaining strong food safety, HACCP, allergen procedures and all compliance requirements

You’ll be a great fit if you are…

• A Head Chef or strong Sous Chef with proven longevity
• A confident, hands‑on leader who thrives in high-volume gastropubs or kitchens
• Someone with a strong understanding of fresh, seasonal cooking, including butchery and weekly specials
• Someone who enjoys mentoring junior chefs and building a positive, motivated kitchen culture
• Commercially aware with excellent ticket management, GP control and attention to detail

PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL NEED THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK TO BE SUITABLE FOR THIS ROLE.

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