Head Chef

Head Chef - Fresh Food Pub - Colchester

Location: Colchester, Essex

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £40,000 per year

A popular, well-established traditional pub in Colchester is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead its busy fresh-food kitchen.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented, hands-on Head Chef with a passion for quality ingredients, classic pub food and delivering a consistently great experience for guests. You will take ownership of the kitchen, leading the team through busy services while maintaining high standards of food, hygiene and profitability.

Head Chef responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team
• Prepare and cook high-quality fresh food to a consistently high standard
• Create seasonal menus, daily specials and classic pub dishes
• Manage kitchen operations during busy lunch and dinner services
• Control stock, ordering, wastage and food costs
• Maintain strong GP margins and work within budget
• Ensure full food safety, hygiene and Health & Safety compliance
• Manage rotas, recruitment and training within the kitchen team
• Work closely with the General Manager to deliver an excellent guest experience

Head Chef requirements

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or experienced Sous Chef ready to step up
• Background in a busy fresh-food pub, gastropub, restaurant or hotel kitchen
• Strong knowledge of fresh, seasonal cooking and traditional British pub food
• Experience managing stock, ordering, menu costing and GP
• Confident leading a kitchen team in a high-volume environment
• Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification or equivalent
• A proactive, organised and positive approach

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £40,000 per year
• Full-time, permanent Head Chef position
• Opportunity to shape menus and introduce your own ideas
• Join a popular, established pub with a strong local reputation
• Supportive management team and positive working environment

Apply now with your CV to be considered for this Head Chef role in Colchester.