Head Chef — Seasonal Menu Innovator & Team Leader

Le Strange Arms; Colchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentives

Flexible hours

Tips

Staff discounts

Growth opportunities

Community pub

Job summary

Chestnut seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen teams across The Crown and associated venues. You will design seasonal menus, mentor staff, and uphold the dining-pub reputation with exceptional taste and presentation.

Working closely with the General Manager, you’ll manage inventory, cost controls, and food safety while fostering a positive, high-performing kitchen culture. Competitive hourly pay, incentives and staff discounts are offered.

Qualifications

• Design and develop seasonal menus reflecting Chestnut's vision.
• Recruit, train and mentor kitchen staff.
• Ensure high standards of taste, presentation and consistency.
• Oversee inventory, cost control and food safety.
• Manage dry stock and accurate ordering.
• Collaborate with General Manager to maintain a positive, high-performing team culture.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal menus alongside The Crown's fish board and pub favourites.
• Recruit, train and mentor kitchen staff.
• Maintain high standards of taste, presentation and consistency.
• Oversee inventory, cost control and food safety.
• Manage dry stock and ordering.
• Work with General Manager to keep a positive team culture across venues.

Skills

Menu design

Staff leadership

Kitchen operations

Inventory management

Food safety

Cost control

Team collaboration

Job description

Chestnut seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen teams across The Crown and associated venues. You will design seasonal menus, mentor staff, and uphold the dining-pub reputation with exceptional taste and presentation.

Working closely with the General Manager, you’ll manage inventory, cost controls, and food safety while fostering a positive, high-performing kitchen culture. Competitive hourly pay, incentives and staff discounts are offered.