Head Chef – Full Time, Permanent Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum Contract: Full-time, Permanent Job Overview We are recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at one of our quality, food-led businesses. This role is well suited to an established Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, ideally with experience in a 1 rosette–standard pub or restaurant. This is good honest food no frills or foams. The food offer is British-forward, focusing on seasonality, locality, and provenance, alongside classic flavours and well-executed modern pub dishes. Menus are changed on a monthly basis, with a strong emphasis on running weekly specials boards that showcase the best produce from our trusted suppliers. You will have a high level of autonomy in the kitchen, while working closely with the senior team to design, develop, and finalise menus, ensuring consistency, strong margins, and a clear food identity. Due to the location, own transport is essential. Company Overview Part of Balfour, we operate food-focused pubs with a strong emphasis on quality, consistency, and great hospitality. We offer long-term stability, support from an experienced senior team, and opportunities for career progression. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the kitchen operation on a day-to-day basis Develop and deliver British-forward, seasonal menus Plan and execute monthly menu changes and weekly specials boards Maintain consistently high food quality, presentation, and portion control Recruit, train, and manage the kitchen team Manage rotas, ordering, stock control, GP, and wastage Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations Work collaboratively with front-of-house and senior management teams Required Skills and Experience Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef Background in a busy, food-led pub or restaurant (1 rosette standard preferred) Strong leadership and people management skills Passion for modern British cuisine, seasonality, and provenance Excellent organisational and cost-control skills Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment Additional Requirements Own transport essential due to location Benefits Competitive salary of £45,000 – £50,000 per annum, with TRONC & performance related bonus High level of kitchen autonomy Supportive senior management structure Career development and progression within the group Opportunity to lead and shape a respected pub kitchen How to Apply If you are a motivated and experienced Head Chef looking for a permanent role in a quality, British food-focused pub, we would like to hear from you. What Success Looks Like in This Role After 3 Months Kitchen fully settled under your leadership Monthly menus delivered confidently and on time Weekly specials boards running consistently and creatively Strong standards in food quality, hygiene, and organisation After 6 Months Clear British-forward food identity established Kitchen team trained, engaged, and performing well GP, stock control, and wastage within agreed targets Positive guest feedback and repeat custom driven by food Ongoing Menus that reflect seasonality, locality, and provenance Strong working relationship with suppliers and senior management A motivated, stable kitchen team delivering consistently high standards