Job Description
Head Chef - Harlow
Salary: £40,000-£45,000 depending on experience + tips
Location: Harlow
Job Type: Full-time
Driving licence: Essential - own transport required
We are recruiting an experienced Head Chef for a popular gastro pub on the outskirts of Harlow.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate, hands-on chef to take full ownership of the kitchen and menu within a well-established venue with an excellent reputation.
The pub focuses on fresh, seasonal food and locally sourced produce, with everything prepared in-house.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will lead a small kitchen team and work closely with the owners to develop the food offering and continually raise standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Menu planning and development
- Managing food costs, GP and budgets
- Ordering and stock control
- Leading, training and developing the kitchen team
- Maintaining consistently high food quality and presentation
- Ensuring excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards
- Managing kitchen operations and service
- Supporting functions and events
- Maintaining a clean, organised and efficient kitchen
- Continually developing the food offering and customer experience
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- At least 2 years' experience as a Head Chef
- Experience in a fresh food restaurant, gastro pub or similar establishment
- A genuine passion for quality food and fresh produce
- Strong menu development and food cost control skills
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety
- Experience leading and developing a kitchen team
- A hands-on approach and high standards
- The confidence to take full responsibility for a kitchen operation
- The ability to work effectively in a busy environment
A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential due to the location.
The Venue
The gastro pub offers:
- 80-cover restaurant
- Function room
- Outdoor seating for approximately 50 guests
- 10 bedrooms
- Newly refurbished venue
- Fresh, locally sourced produce
What's on Offer
- £40,000-£45,000 depending on experience
- Plus tips
- Full autonomy over the menu
- Small, established kitchen brigade
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Opportunity to make your mark on the food offering
- Newly refurbished venue
If you're an experienced Head Chef looking for a role offering autonomy, creativity and the opportunity to develop a quality food operation, apply today with your CV.
