Head Chef
The Ship Inn, Handbridge
Full-time | Permanent
Are you a passionate, creative, and experienced chef ready to take the lead in a bustling kitchen? The Ship Inn, Handbridge is looking for a talented Head Chef to join our leadership team and help shape the next chapter of our food offering.
About Us
Just a short walk from Chester's historic city centre, The Ship Inn is a proudly independent pub and restaurant with a reputation for quality food and relaxed hospitality.
Owned and operated by tenants since 2015, we've created a welcoming space where locals and visitors come for everything from casual drinks to private dining.
Job Overview
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. You'll be responsible for designing menus, overseeing food preparation, managing kitchen operations, and building a strong team culture.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead day-to-day kitchen operations
* Create and develop seasonal menus that reflect modern British pub dining
* Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety
* Manage ordering, stock control, and food cost management
* Recruit, train, and motivate a brand-new kitchen team
* Collaborate with front-of-house to ensure excellent service and guest satisfaction
* Monitor kitchen performance and drive continuous improvement
What We're Looking For
* Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy kitchen
* Strong leadership and people management skills
* Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen best practices
* Creative flair and a passion for seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
* Organised, reliable, and driven to deliver consistently high standards
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and busy periods
What We Offer
* Creative freedom to shape menus and the food offering
* Supportive ownership and a chance to grow with the business
* Competitive salary (dependent on experience) + benefits
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person