Head Chef – Exciting Opportunity at The Spread Eagle in Sawley Join a Thriving Family Business with a Rich Heritage Are you a passionate and experienced Head Chef looking for the next step in your career? Would you thrive in a smaller, independent business where your voice is valued and your ideas are heard? Do you have a strong background in high-volume, food-led traditional inns and the leadership skills to manage and develop a large kitchen team? If so, we’d love to hear from you! About the Role We’re looking for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen at the historic Spread Eagle in Sawley —a bustling country inn known for hearty pub classics, seasonal menus, and memorable events. As Head Chef, you’ll work closely with the General Manager and play a key role in shaping the kitchen’s success. You’ll oversee the full kitchen operation, from day-to-day service to bespoke weddings and private events hosted in our beautiful function spaces. This is an exciting opportunity to combine your culinary creativity with strong operational leadership in a supportive, people-first environment. Responsibilities Deliver consistently high-quality food that exceeds guest expectations Design and deliver menus for a variety of occasions, including weddings, private events, and seasonal celebrations Manage all aspects of kitchen profitability, including ordering, stock control, and waste management Ensure impeccable hygiene and safety standards, fully compliant with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations Lead by example and foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing kitchen team Recruit, train, and mentor your kitchen brigade to help them grow and succeed What We Offer We value our people and reward hard work with a comprehensive benefits package, including: Competitive salary & performance-based bonus Staff accommodation if required 25% employee discount on food, drink & accommodation 50% off food during shifts Exclusive discounts at over 800 retailers 28 days paid annual leave Career growth & personal development opportunities Access to fully funded apprenticeships for your team Wellbeing & mental health support programmes Healthcare cash plan for dental, optical & medical treatments Chef Whites provided Well-equipped kitchens with top-tier tools About Us The Spread Eagle is part of a family-run business with a heritage dating back to 1838. We’re proud of our warm hospitality, loyal customer base, and talented team who bring our values to life every day. We’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a place to grow, be heard, and be part of something meaningful. Apply Now If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and lead our kitchen through the day-to-day buzz and the magic of weddings and events — we’d love to hear from you.