Full job descriptionHead 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.