Head Chef - Up to 44k

Oli Aubrey-Thomas; Exeter; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known pub in Exeter is seeking a Head Chef to lead kitchen operations and create innovative menus using fresh seasonal ingredients. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing a kitchen, developing team talent and delivering high-quality dishes. This role offers autonomy in creating unique recipes, access to training and development programs, and a supportive community atmosphere. The position emphasizes creativity, leadership, and a passion for culinary excellence.

Benefits

Full autonomy in menu creation

Access to apprenticeships and development programs

Culinary masterclasses

Inspiration trips to top suppliers

Free meals

Discounts at Young's Pubs

Enhanced pension scheme

28 days holiday per year

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a busy kitchen.
• Passion for developing and leading a team.
• Ability to create fresh seasonal menus.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the kitchen.
• Write and develop menus using seasonal ingredients.
• Lead and inspire the kitchen team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Creativity

Planning and Organisational Skills

Job description

Head Chef - 42k basic plus tronc and tips.

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to take the helm at the City Gate in Exeter. We are famous for our events spaces - including our hidden garden and cellar bar - and well known for serving fantastic traditional food - proper pub food made with fresh seasonal ingredients. We're looking for a Head Chef that has experience working with fresh food to create comforting classics that showcase the best local produce. We have a whole host of event spaces in the pub, so we are also keen to hear from Head Chef's who have experience delivering menus for all occasions.

You'll be in charge of writing menus, ensuring high standards in the kitchen, developing the team and looking after all aspects of kitchen management. Alongside our place as a favourite spot for an overnight stay (we have 20 bedrooms) and events, above all else we are a modern community pub. We have close ties with Exeter Football Club and Exter Chiefs and are truly ingrained within our community. We are looking for a proper chef that cooks proper premium dishes that tie in with our proper pub.

Being a Head Chef at Young's

We believe every pub should be different. This means that you'll be writing your own recipes that match the food vision of your business using fresh seasonal ingredients. The food vision could be all about showcasing local produce, country pub classics, seafood, small plates and sharers, dry‑aged meat - each pub is different and its up to you as head chef to put your own creative stamp on that vision. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should constantly evolve to showcase these fantastic ingredients when they are at their best. Premium fresh food crafted by skilled chefs in Premium Pubs.

What we offer our

• Head Chefs get to have full autonomy to create your own menus and specials
• Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
• Access to regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery and Shellfish
• Access to inspirational food trips with our top quality suppliers
• Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to inspire and develop
• Free meals
• 20% discount in all Young's Pubs and 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
• Share save Scheme
• Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
• 28 Days Holiday per year

What we look for in a Head Chef

This role requires someone that can inspire a team, bring out the potential and lead by example whilst being able to develop, cost and produce fresh seasonal menus for the variety of revenue streams within the business.

• Have experience championing excellent service through quality food either as a Head Chef or in the position of Sous Chef
• Demonstrate a passion for leading and developing a team
• Be an active hands‑on team player with excellent communication skills
• Be responsible and able to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and all health and safety effectively at all times
• Be able to demonstrate your creativity and ability to design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials
• Demonstrate great planning and organisational skills, necessary to maintain effective controls with regard to both GP and labour
• Have a pro‑active approach to driving sales and delivering growth, through engagement with both kitchen and front of house teams