Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
The Hurt Arms – Ambergate (DE56 2EJ)
Full-time | Reopening May
The Hurt Arms in Ambergate is reopening this May and we are looking for a highly organised, operation-focused Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who excels at training teams, maintaining standards, controlling costs, and delivering consistent service across a busy bar, restaurant, weddings, events, and outdoor catering.
The Venue
* Busy bar and restaurant
* Function suite hosting weddings and private events
* Outdoor kitchen and large outdoor events
* High-volume service during peak periods
The Role (Operational Focus)
Menus are already in place for the reopening period. Your primary focus will be on:
* Training kitchen staff to deliver dishes exactly to spec
* Ensuring consistency, speed, and quality across all services
* Managing food costs, GP margins, portion control, and wastage
* Putting robust kitchen systems and standards in place
As the business stabilises, there will be structured opportunity for input into menu development, but this is not a creative-led role initially.
Key Responsibilities
* Full responsibility for kitchen operations across all food outlets
* Recruit, train, and manage the kitchen team
* Manage rotas, staffing levels, and labour costs
* Control ordering, stock rotation, wastage, and GP
* Deliver smooth service for restaurant trade, weddings, and events
* Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and due diligence
* Maintain a clean, organised, and well-run kitchen at all times
* Work closely with ownership and front-of-house management
About You
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager
* Strong operational and organisational skills
* Confident running a kitchen with minimal supervision
* Experienced in high-volume service, events, or multi-outlet venues
* Comfortable managing costs, paperwork, and people
* Calm, reliable, and professional under pressure
* Flexible to meet the demands of a busy hospitality business
What We Offer
* Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
* Performance bonus scheme
* Overtime paid
* A senior operational role in a venue reopening
* Clear expectations and structure
* Supportive ownership and long-term stability
* Opportunity to develop the role as the business grows
How to Apply
Apply via Indeed with your CV and a brief summary of your experience.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £38,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person