At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, create delicious dishes, and motivate your team.
- Company: The Jolly Fenman, a lively community pub in Sidcup.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts on food and drink, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant pub environment while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Kitchen Manager or Head Chef in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 41000 £ per year.
The Jolly Fenman is a lively community pub in Sidcup, popular with locals, families and sports fans alike. With Sky Sports and TNT Sports showing the latest action, plus pool tables, darts and arcade games, there's always something happening. Our spacious beer garden can accommodate over 200 customers, with heated cover to keep guests comfortable whatever the weather.
As Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you'll take ownership of the kitchen, lead from the front and help drive the success of our food offer. You'll be responsible for:
- Leading your team: Motivate, coach and develop your kitchen team, creating a positive environment where everyone can do their best work.
- Delivering great food: Ensure every dish is prepared to a consistently high standard, from hearty pub classics and seasonal favourites to indulgent desserts.
- Catering for every occasion: Organise and deliver quality buffet food for wakes and other gatherings, ensuring everything runs smoothly and guests are well looked after.
- Managing a busy kitchen: Plan ahead, organise prep and service, and make sure the kitchen is ready for busy periods and special bookings.
- Taking control of costs: Manage stock, ordering, waste, labour and food costs to support strong commercial performance.
- Maintaining high standards: Ensure food safety, allergen management and kitchen compliance are always a priority.
- Working as one team: Partner with the General Manager and front-of-house team to deliver a great guest experience and identify opportunities to grow food sales.
We're looking for someone with previous experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or in a similar senior kitchen role, ideally within a busy branded pub or restaurant environment. You'll bring:
- Experience leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced setting.
- A hands-on leadership style and the confidence to lead from the front.
- A passion for quality food, consistency and great presentation.
- Strong organisation and the ability to plan for busy services and buffet bookings.
- Good commercial awareness, including stock control, waste and labour management.
- A sound understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance.
- The ability to motivate your team, solve problems and remain calm under pressure.
Above all, you'll be someone who takes pride in their kitchen, enjoys developing people and understands that great food and a great team go hand in hand.
At Greene King, we believe in rewarding our teams and helping them build careers they can be proud of. Career development includes training, apprenticeships and opportunities to progress across Greene King. Additional benefits include discounts on food and drink, wellbeing support, family-friendly benefits, recognition programmes, and financial wellbeing access.
If you're an experienced kitchen leader who loves a busy service, knows how to bring out the best in a team and takes pride in delivering great food for every occasion, we'd love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Bexley employer: Greene King
Greene King is an excellent employer that values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong sense of community. Working at Greene King not only means being part of a renowned pub chain but also contributing to creating memorable guest experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Bexley
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Greene King. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Greene King
Don't be shy about reaching out to Greene King directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Bexley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Greene King and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greene King
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
