Head Chef – Pub Kitchen Manager

About the role

The Bell, a busy family‑friendly pub in Bredhurst, is looking for a hands‑on Head Chef to lead its established kitchen team, maintain high food standards and support commercial success.

Key responsibilities

• Lead from the front, being visible and supportive during busy services.
• Develop and coach the existing kitchen team to maximise performance.
• Maintain consistent food quality, presentation and portion control across the menu.
• Manage stock, ordering, waste, labour and food costs to ensure profitability.
• Uphold food safety, allergen management and kitchen procedures.
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager and front‑of‑house team.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading a busy kitchen or as a Kitchen Manager/Head Chef.
• Hands‑on approach with confidence to lead from the front.
• Ability to coach, motivate and develop colleagues.
• Passion for great food, consistency and high standards.
• Strong commercial awareness including stock control and waste management.
• Solid understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance.
• Organised, positive and calm under pressure.
• Enjoys working with an established team and fostering collaboration.

Required skills

• Stock control
• Waste management
• Labour cost management
• Food safety compliance
• Allergen management

What we offer

• Career development through training and apprenticeships.
• 33% discount on food & drink in pubs, 15% for friends/family.
• 50% discount on Greene King Inns stays, 25% for friends/family.
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support.
• Family‑friendly policies and enhanced leave.
• Referral bonus up to £1,500.
• Financial wellbeing tools such as Wagestream.
• Retail discounts with partners like Superdrug and Three Mobile.