Full job descriptionHead 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.