Job Title: Head Chef
Location: The Union Inn, Denbury
About The Pub:
The Union Inn is a traditional 14th-century pub at the heart of Denbury, overlooking the village green. We serve freshly prepared dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, from classic pub favourites to seasonal specials, along with real ales and a hand-picked wine list. With its cosy interiors, sunny beer garden, and friendly atmosphere, The Union Inn is a welcoming spot for families, friends, and well-behaved dogs
Role Overview:
As Head Chef, you'll take the lead in delivering exceptional food quality and driving the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen. You'll oversee menu execution, manage and develop the kitchen team, and ensure that every dish leaving the pass meets the highest standards. With responsibility for maintaining food safety, stock control, and efficient service, you'll play a key role in shaping both the kitchen culture and the guest experience. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated chef with strong leadership skills to thrive and progress within a supportive and growing company.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead by example in preparing and cooking dishes to a consistently high standard.
· Oversee and coordinate service to ensure smooth and efficient kitchen operation.
· Manage, train, and develop the kitchen team, providing clear direction and support.
· Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and kitchen cleanliness at all times.
· Take responsibility for stock management, including ordering, deliveries, rotation, and waste control.
· Drive menu development and specials, ensuring creativity while maintaining profitability.
· Work closely with management to achieve financial targets and control kitchen costs.
· Foster a positive and motivated kitchen culture, ensuring teamwork and communication across all levels.
What We're Looking For
· Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
· Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop a team.
· A passion for creating fresh, high-quality dishes with excellent presentation.
· Solid knowledge of food safety, hygiene regulations, and kitchen best practices.
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
· Experience with stock control, ordering, and achieving cost targets.
· Creativity and confidence in menu development and adapting to seasonal produce.
· Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and key trading days.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary
* Staff discounts
* Company pension scheme
If you're a passionate and reliable chef who enjoys working with great food in a great team, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter telling us a little about yourself and why you'd like to join the team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 30 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person