Position: Head Chef
* Salary: £45,000-£60,000 per year – plus excellent benefits and share of tips (approx £7,000 annually)
* Location: Plumpton Green, East Sussex
* Hours: 48 per week plus paid overtime
We are delighted to be partnered with our client, a well-loved, food-led country pub set in the heart of the South Downs country park. They are renowned for their superb hospitality, warm atmosphere, and seasonal menus.
We are seeking an experienced, creative, and commercially-minded Head Chef to lead the kitchen team, shape menus, and drive the venue forward while maintaining its excellent reputation.
The Role
You will be the creative and operational leader behind a high-performing kitchen, serving a 90-cover dining room with an additional 100 patio and garden seats at peak times. Your focus will be designing elegant, produce-led dishes reflecting the Sussex seasons, managing the team, systems, and margins to ensure smooth operations.
Key Responsibilities
* Menu Development: Create and deliver refined, seasonal menus for breakfast, à la carte dining, Sunday roasts, and private events.
* Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and inspire a team of 5-8 chefs plus KP staff, fostering a calm, collaborative kitchen culture.
* Operational Management: Oversee all kitchen operations, including food safety (minimum 5 hygiene rating), GP, stock, waste, and wage control.
* Procurement & Suppliers: Collaborate with procurement managers and maintain strong relationships with local suppliers.
* Leadership Team Collaboration: Contribute to strategic planning and enhancing customer experience.
Requirements
* Minimum 5 years as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a reputable restaurant or food-led pub.
* Proven ability to run a busy kitchen, develop teams, and manage costs.
* Strong leadership style—calm, coaching-focused, and collaborative.
* Passion for local, seasonal produce and elegant, ingredient-led cooking.
* Solid knowledge of allergens, food safety, and compliance (Level 3 Food Safety preferred).
What’s on Offer?
* Salary: £45,000–£60,000 depending on experience.
* 48-hour contract with paid overtime available.
* Performance bonus based on gross profit, wage costs, and customer reviews.
* Potential to earn a stake in the business after one year.
* Share of tips (~£7k annually).
* 28 days paid holiday, pension, meals on shift.
* Wellness allowance (£50/month).
* Subsidised chef whites and knives.
* Cost price takeaway wines.
* Paid visits to suppliers and a training budget for courses and development.
* Creative freedom to shape menus and kitchen culture.
* Supportive, collaborative team environment, including procurement and events managers.
For more information about this exciting Head Chef opportunity, please apply now! Shortlisting will take place soon—don't miss out!
Wild Recruitment Ltd T/A First Recruitment Services acts as an employment agency for this vacancy.
Please note that this advertisement does not discriminate based on gender, marital status, race, religion, color, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Candidates will be assessed solely on merit, qualifications, and ability to perform the duties.
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