Kitchen Manager & Head Chef: Lead a Busy Pub Kitchen

Greene King; England; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33% off food & drink

15% off for friends & family

50% off stays (Greene King Inns)

Employee Assistance Programme

Wagestream access

Retail discounts

Job summary

The King Rufus is a busy pub in Chandlers Ford, recruiting an experienced Kitchen Manager/Head Chef to lead the kitchen and drive excellent, consistent pub dishes. A salary of £31,000–£35,000 plus bonus is on offer, with live-in available and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.

You'll own the kitchen end-to-end, lead from the front during busy services, manage stock and costs, and coach the team to deliver top-quality meals while maintaining safety and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience as Kitchen Manager or equivalent leading a busy kitchen.
• Branded pub/restaurant background is advantageous.
• Proven experience managing a busy kitchen and leading a team.
• Strong work ethic with hands-on leadership.
• Experience handling an extensive menu while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Confidence with kitchen systems, technology and back-of-house administration, including stock management, reporting and financial figures.
• Good commercial awareness to understand costs, manage waste and drive profitability.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to plan ahead for busy services.
• Passion for developing people and building a proud kitchen team.
• Solid understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance.
• Comfortable leading busy service and reviewing the numbers behind the operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the front, supporting the team during busy services and setting standards.
• Manage an extensive menu and ensure quality, presentation and portion control.
• Coach and develop kitchen colleagues to build skills and confidence.
• Run a commercially successful kitchen with stock, ordering, waste, labour and cost controls.
• Keep kitchen operations organised with rotas, prep and service planning.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, allergen management, and compliance.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and front-of-house to deliver a great guest experience.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Kitchen management

Team development

Stock management

Food safety

Commercial awareness

Job description

The King Rufus is a busy pub in Chandlers Ford, recruiting an experienced Kitchen Manager/Head Chef to lead the kitchen and drive excellent, consistent pub dishes. A salary of £31,000–£35,000 plus bonus is on offer, with live-in available and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.

You'll own the kitchen end-to-end, lead from the front during busy services, manage stock and costs, and coach the team to deliver top-quality meals while maintaining safety and compliance standards.