Head Chef

Amtel Hospitality; East Shoreham (NY); On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent hospitality group is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead their kitchen and inspire a small team. This role offers the chance to innovate and take ownership of a food operation, creating fresh and seasonal menus that reflect the venue's charm. With a focus on quality, cleanliness, and team development, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience. The supportive culture encourages creativity and career growth, making this an exciting opportunity for a chef eager to make their mark in a vibrant pub environment.

Benefits

Staff meals

Family & friends discount

Opportunities for training and development

Flexible shift options

Qualifications

• At least 2 years leading or co-leading a busy kitchen.
• Strong on systems: able to manage budgets and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver fresh, seasonal menus with comforting classics.
• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and maintain hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu Creation

Food Safety

Budget Management

Team Building

Creativity

Education

Level 2 Food Safety

Level 3 Food Safety

Formal Culinary Training

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef

Location: South London

About Us: Located in a picturesque riverside setting in South London, our pub is a vibrant hub of the local community — known and loved for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, carefully curated beer and wine list, and hearty, comforting food. We blend traditional pub charm with a forward-thinking attitude, and we’re now looking to elevate our food offering to match the quality and soul of our venue.

This is more than just a kitchen — it’s a chance to lead, innovate, and take ownership of a food operation with real creative freedom, in a business that values and invests in its people.

The Role:

We’re on the hunt for a passionate, creative, and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and inspire a small team with energy and ambition. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who wants to put their own stamp on a well-loved, high-potential food pub — and build a reputation for food that’s fresh, seasonal, and unpretentious, but packed with flavour and finesse.

As Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen — from designing menus and managing budgets to training your team and upholding the highest standards of food quality, cleanliness, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Menu Creation & Development: Design and deliver fresh, seasonal menus that strike a balance between comforting classics and exciting specials, with scope to evolve the offering throughout the year.
2. Hands-On Leadership: Be a visible, motivating presence in the kitchen, setting the pace and tone for a positive, professional culture that supports learning, creativity, and consistency.
3. Kitchen Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations including prep, service, stock control, supplier management, and compliance with health & safety protocols.
4. Team Building: Hire, train, mentor and retain a small, reliable team that takes pride in their work and strives to improve.
5. Hygiene & Food Safety: Maintain strict standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety, ensuring full compliance with HACCP and EHO requirements.
6. Budget & Cost Control: Take responsibility for food margins, portion control, ordering, waste reduction and labour costs to hit financial targets.
7. Collaboration: Work closely with the General Manager and FOH team to ensure smooth service, effective communication, and great customer experiences.
8. Innovation & Improvement: Always look for ways to improve — whether it’s a new supplier, a better prep system, or a dish that wows our guests.

Who You Are:

1. A confident and experienced Head Chef or ambitious Sous Chef, with at least 2 years leading or co-leading a busy kitchen (pub experience a plus).
2. A passionate cook who genuinely enjoys what they do — from sourcing ingredients to plating up.
3. Creative and confident in your palate, with a flair for developing appealing dishes that balance customer appeal with kitchen efficiency.
4. A calm and organised leader, capable of managing people, pressure, and priorities with professionalism.
5. Strong on systems: able to manage budgets, suppliers, health and safety and stock with a keen eye for detail.
6. A natural team player who works well with FOH and sees the bigger picture.
7. Enthusiastic about food trends and pub culture, and eager to contribute ideas and energy to a growing venue.
8. Level 2 Food Safety as minimum; Level 3 and formal culinary training a bonus.
9. Full right to work in the UK.

What We Offer:

1. Competitive Salary: £38,000 to £45,000 depending on experience.
2. Creative Freedom: Full input on menus and food direction.
3. Supportive Culture: You’ll work in a positive, respectful environment where your input is genuinely valued.
4. Career Growth: Whether you want to stay long-term or step up to something bigger in time, we support progression.
5. Perks: Staff meals, family & friends discount, opportunities for training and development.
6. Flexibility: 8h/10h/12h shift options, with weekend availability required but fair scheduling.

Experience: Required
Employment: Full-time
Salary: £38,000 – £45,000 yearly
Benefits: Tips, Performance Bonuses

About Amtel Hospitality: Independent Hospitality group based in South West London. Our venues are The William Morris & M.E.D cafe in Colliers Wood. The Woodman is our pub with rooms in Wimbledon Park. Our newest venue is our restaurant Louis, in Earlsfield.