At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious pub food.
- Company: Join JW Lees, a family-owned brewery with nearly 200 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, healthcare plan, and discounts on food and stays.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and personal development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food at a busy country pub and develop your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Golden Pheasant in Plumley is looking for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in a busy Cheshire country pub, restaurant and rooms business. This role is about more than running a kitchen. It is about improving consistency, developing people, growing food reputation and building a kitchen team that is proud of what they deliver every service.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced Head Chef, or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, to take real ownership of food standards, kitchen control and team development, with the support of JW Lees behind you. We are looking for someone who cares about proper pub food, calm leadership and high standards. Someone who can lead from the front, develop the team around them and take pride in every dish that leaves the pass.
You will have input into menu development, the chance to create in-house specials using good quality produce, and the opportunity to put your stamp on the kitchen as we continue to grow.
Why this role is worth looking at:
- Lead a well-established Cheshire 152 cover country pub, restaurant, beer garden and 9 rooms
- Join a business building on a record 24/25 year
- Help shape the next stage of food growth and kitchen consistency
- Work with maintained kitchen kit and good quality produce
- Create and develop in-house specials
- Train, coach and develop your team for their own personal growth
- Be backed by JW Lees, a family brewer and pub company with nearly 200 years of history
- Share in the success of the business through tips, tronc and annual profit share bonus
What we offer our Head Chefs:
- Competitive pay, plus cash tips and tronc
- Annual profit share bonus
- Healthcare Cash Plan, including 24-hour GP access
- 30% discount on food and drink across our pubs, inns and hotels
- 50% off food when on shift
- Discounted stays in our hotels and inns
- 24-hour confidential wellbeing support
- Career development through internal and external programmes
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption policies
- Access to JW BenefitHub for high street and online discounts
What you will be doing:
As Head Chef, you will lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen and set the standard for the team. You will:
- Lead, motivate and develop your kitchen team
- Make sure every dish leaves the kitchen to specification
- Drive food quality, consistency, and speed of service
- Maintain strong stock control, ordering and kitchen organisation
- Take ownership of food safety, cleanliness and 5-star standards
- Create specials that guests want to come back for
- Train your team and support their individual development
- Work closely with front of house to deliver a great guest experience
- Lead with calm, clear communication during busy services
What we are looking for:
We are looking for a Head Chef who is hands-on, organised, and passionate about great food. You will need to be calm under pressure, strong on standards and confident leading a team through busy services. You should care about the detail: food quality, stock control, cleanliness, team standards, and service times. But you should also understand the bigger picture: happy guests, strong kitchen controls, team growth and a food offer that keeps people coming back. You do not need to be the loudest person in the kitchen. You do need to be the person who sets the standard.
A note from Carl, General Manager: We are building on a record year and looking for someone who wants to be part of the next stage of growth at The Golden Pheasant. This is a role for a Head Chef who wants ownership, support, and the chance to develop a kitchen team that grows with the business. If you care about food, people, consistency, and pride in the job, we would love to hear from you.
No polished CV ready? No problem. Apply through Harri and we can start with an informal chat. Apply now and take the next step in your Head Chef career with JW Lees.
About JW Lees: Proudly family owned and nearly 200 years old, JW Lees are the original modern, traditional brewer. With 150 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, we are passionate about great beer, fantastic food and memorable experiences. We put people at the heart of our business, always doing the right thing and always sticking together. Our six values are at the heart of everything we do: Proud - Savvy - Honest - Passionate - Personal - Together.
Locations
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Plumley in Alderley Edge, Cheshire
✨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 JW Lees. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to JW Lees
Don't be shy about reaching out to JW Lees 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 - Plumley in Alderley Edge, Cheshire
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 JW Lees 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 JW Lees
✨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!
