Head Chef - Premium Pub - Gardeners Arms

Hall & Woodhouse Brewery & Managed; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned food pub group in Haywards Heath seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead a passionate kitchen team. The role offers an excellent work-life balance with a consistent 5-day week and a great salary, including bonuses and profit-sharing. Ideal candidates are organized, experienced in fast-paced kitchens, and committed to high-quality food and team leadership. Join a supportive environment that values your contributions and offers a pathway for career advancement.

Benefits

Profit share scheme

Pension plan

Health cover

Wellbeing support

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef delivering quality dishes.
• Understanding of food safety and allergen management.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing kitchen team.
• Ensure compliance with cooking specifications.
• Manage kitchen operations and maintain standards.

Skills

Organizational skills

High-quality food delivery

Food safety management

Leadership

Hygiene management

Kitchen administration

Job description

Head Chef, Bonus + Tips + Profit Share + Benefits + 5 days working .....

Dig the Gardeners Arms

Part of the Hall & Woodhouse family of superb destination food pubs, and dating back to the 17th century, the Gardeners Arms is how we all imagine a country pub should be - cosy in the winter, with roaring log fires and traditional oak beams, and glorious in the summer, with a beautiful garden. The pub even has its own grape vines and wild deer visit occasionally! It is a characterful place that celebrates the joy of horticulture with pin‑ups of famous gardeners in the loos, along with a host of other quirky décor touches that bring the pub to life.

Head Chef – Join a Sunday Times Best Place to Work

Looking for your next big step in a kitchen that’s full of energy, passion, and purpose?

We’re searching for a Head Chef comfortable in working to brand spec's to lead our high‑performing team at one of the area's best venues.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Real work–life balance with a 5‑day week, consistent hours, and excellent working conditions.
• Great salary plus a share of tips.
• Profit share scheme and bonus – when the business thrives, so do you.
• Comprehensive lifestyle benefits, including pension, health cover, wellbeing support, discounts, and more.
• A vibrant, supportive team in a business driven by sustainability and an authentic people‑first culture.
• Job security and clear career progression, backed by an award‑winning employer.
• All the support you need to succeed – we set you up to lead with confidence.

You’ll thrive here if you’re:

• A highly organized, skilled Head Chef with experience delivering high‑quality fare to central spec's
• Someone who enjoys the buzz and spotlight of a fast‑paced, prestige kitchen.
• A chef who truly cares – motivated, passionate, and committed to excellence.
• An expert in food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.
• Calm, dependable, and resilient under pressure, with a solutions‑first mindset.
• Strong in kitchen admin and happy in following precise cooking and presentation specifications.
• A positive, inspirational leader who builds, motivates, and supports great teams.
• Diligent about compliance and sustainability.Able to reliably manage the commute and flexible to work days, evenings, and weekends.
• Keen to join an employer that recognizes and rewards dedication and talent.

Previous experience leading in a managed pub or restaurant is a big advantage.

Ready to Lead a High‑Energy Kitchen?

If you’re a hands‑on Head Chef with the skills, drive, and temperament to deliver consistent top‑quality dishes under time and volume pressure, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in a place where your future truly matters.