*Head Chef*Located in Ongar, Essex, Smiths of Ongar has become well known as one of the South East’s best seafood restaurants and are recruiting an experienced Head Chef to join its established team;As Head chef you will;- Lead and inspire a kitchen team, creating a supportive, high-performance culture- Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in quality, consistency, and food presentation- Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to develop seasonal, creative Special’s menus- Strong commercial understanding with proven experience running a professional kitchen efficiently and profitably- Maintain exceptional food hygiene and safety standards across the kitchen- Skilled in managing labour controls, scheduling, and kitchen operations to maintain high standards while meeting financial targets- Manage food costs, ordering, and stock control efficiently and sustainably- Train, mentor, and develop junior chefs, fostering growth and creativity- Work closely with the Executive Chef and Director to ensure a seamless, memorable guest experienceThe ideal candidate will;· Have proven experience in a senior kitchen role, ideally as Head Chef in a high-volume, quality-led restaurant· Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment· Brings creativity, curiosity, and a genuine love for fresh, seasonal cooking· Leads with empathy, professionalism, and a hands-on approach· Is passionate about nurturing talent and building a strong, inclusive kitchen cultureIn return we offer;* Very competitive rates of pay* Flexible Rotas* 28 days holiday* The opportunity to progress* Pension* Company Tronc systemJob Type: Full-timePay: £50,000.00-£52,000.00 per yearAdditional pay:* Bonus schemeBenefits:* Employee discount* On-site parkingSchedule:* Weekend availabilityExperience:* Kitchen management: 1 year (preferred)Licence/Certification:* Driving Licence (required)Work Location: In person