Head Chef/ Kitchen Manager in Luton

Head Chef/ Kitchen Manager in Luton

Luton Full-Time 32000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and a positive work environment.
  • Company: The Star, a historic pub with a welcoming atmosphere and spacious beer garden.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, discounts, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Join a passionate team at one of the UK's leading pub companies.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of your kitchen and make a real impact on guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.

What's the opportunity?The Star is a charming, stone-built pub restaurant with over 400 years of history, nestled in the village of Chalton, just a short drive from Luton.

With its welcoming atmosphere, peaceful bar area and spacious beer garden, it's a popular place for guests to relax, enjoy great pub food and spend time with family and friends.

As Kitchen Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring every dish is delivered to a high standard while keeping the team motivated, organised and ready for service.

You'll be responsible for: Leading from the front: Motivate, coach and develop your kitchen team, creating a positive environment where everyone can succeed.

Delivering great food: Maintain consistent quality, presentation and portion control across the menu.

Running an efficient kitchen: Manage stock, ordering, waste and labour costs to support strong commercial performance.

Planning for success: Organise rotas, preparation and service to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly during busy periods.

Maintaining high standards: Ensure food safety, allergen management and kitchen cleanliness are always a priority.

Working as one team: Build strong relationships with the General Manager and front-of-house team to deliver an excellent guest experience.

Company Description The Star, Chalton Head Chef/ Kitchen Manager Salary - £32,000 - £36,000 + Bonus Ready to lead a kitchen where great food and a great team are always on the menu?We're looking for a passionate, hands-on Kitchen Manager to join The Star in Chalton.

If you're an experienced kitchen leader who enjoys developing people, delivering fantastic food and taking ownership of a successful kitchen, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

You'll have the opportunity to lead from the front, maintain high standards and create a kitchen environment where your team can thrive.

Why join The Star?With its historic character, welcoming atmosphere and spacious beer garden, The Star offers a great setting to build your career.

You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your kitchen, develop your team and help deliver the food and service that keep guests coming back.

Additional Information What's in it for you?At Greene King, we believe in rewarding our teams and helping them build careers they can be proud of.

Career development: Training, apprenticeships and opportunities to progress across Greene King.

Discounts: 33% off food and drink in our pubs, plus 15% off for friends and family.

  • Greene
  • King

Inns: 50% off stays and 25% off for friends and family.

Wellbeing support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

Family-friendly benefits: Enhanced policies to support you through life's important moments.

Recognition: Recommend a friend and earn up to £1,500.

Financial wellbeing: Access to Wagestream to help manage your pay.

Extra savings: Retail discounts, including Superdrug and Three Mobile.

Greene King is one of the UK's leading pub companies and brewers, with over 220 years of history and a team of around 39,000 people.

We're passionate about pouring happiness into lives and becoming the pride of great British hospitality.

Ready to make your mark?If you're a kitchen leader who loves great food, takes pride in developing people and is ready for a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your passion.

Lead your team.

Make The Star shine.

Qualifications What we're looking for We're looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or senior kitchen professional who's ready to take ownership and make a real difference.

You'll bring: Previous experience working in a busy kitchen, ideally within a pub or restaurant.

A hands-on leadership style and the confidence to lead by example.

A passion for great food and consistently high standards.

Good knowledge of stock control, ordering, rotas and kitchen costs.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

A good understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance.

The ability to motivate your team and help colleagues develop their skills.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys being part of a team and understands how a well-run kitchen contributes to the success of the whole pub.

Head Chef/ Kitchen Manager in Luton 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.

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Contact Details:

Greene King Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef/ Kitchen Manager in Luton

✨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/ Kitchen Manager in Luton

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Teamwork
Leadership Skills

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!