Head Chef in Dorking

Head Chef in Dorking

Dorking Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create fantastic dishes in a historic pub.
  • Company: Join Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer with a modern twist.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and discounts on food and drink.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant kitchen while working in a charming, historic setting.
  • Qualifications: Previous senior chef experience and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career growth within the company.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Shepherd Neame is on the lookout for a dynamic Head Chef to join our team. If you have previous experience at a senior chef level and you are looking for a new and rewarding challenge in the kitchen, this may be just the job for you.

About the Pub

An historic high-street pub in Dorking, Surrey, the King’s Arms boasts a warm welcome and fantastic food and drink. Built in 1405, it’s believed Charles II once stayed at the pub during its days as a coaching inn, while Charles Dickens wrote about the place in his novel Little Dorrit. It has four levels of cosy alcoves and original oak-beamed ceilings to explore indoors, and two fabulous courtyard gardens outside.

Role and Responsibilities

  • Work with the General Manager to deliver key objectives, customer satisfaction and growth at the site.
  • Lead and develop the kitchen team to deliver an efficient, high quality kitchen service to customers.

What’s in it for you?

  • Competitive annual salary package
  • Bonus Scheme
  • Private healthcare scheme
  • Early wage withdrawal scheme
  • 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
  • 25% discount on overnight Managed House Hotel bookings
  • Up to 40% discount on select purchases from the Visitor Centre Shop at Faversham
  • Sheps Hut discounts and special offers hub on 100's of high street shops and services
  • Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
  • Company pension plan
  • The opportunity to develop & move within our pubs, the Brewery & Support Office
  • Flexible working hours

About Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame may be Britain’s oldest brewer but our approach is anything but old-fashioned. We are an authentic, independent business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive based on the following Sheps Skills: Working Together, Pride and Passion, Authenticity, Sheps Spirit.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity, equality, and inclusion matter to Shepherd Neame. If you think you would be suited to this role we would welcome your application regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

Head Chef in Dorking employer: Kings Arms

Shepherd Neame offers an exceptional working environment for the Head Chef role, situated in the historic King’s Arms pub in Dorking, Surrey. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including private healthcare and flexible working hours, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, this is a place where culinary talent can thrive while being part of a rich heritage. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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Contact Detail:

Kings Arms Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Dorking

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Shepherd Neame.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to pubs and restaurants you admire, like the King’s Arms, and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Shepherd Neame site. It shows initiative and ensures your application lands right where it needs to be.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Dorking

Leadership
Team Development
Kitchen Management
Customer Satisfaction
High-Quality Food Preparation
Menu Planning
Cost Control
Health and Safety Compliance
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Creativity in Cooking
Adaptability
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark!

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience at a senior chef level. Use specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team or improved service quality. This helps us see how you'd fit into our dynamic environment.

Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Share your unique approach to cooking and how you connect with customers. It’s all about being real with us!

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. We can't wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kings Arms

✨Know Your Ingredients

Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge and be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and any special dietary considerations. This shows your passion for food and your ability to cater to diverse customer needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, resolved conflicts, or improved team efficiency. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and develop a high-quality kitchen service.

✨Understand the Pub's History

Familiarise yourself with the King’s Arms and its rich history. Mentioning specific details about the pub during your interview can impress the hiring team and show that you’re genuinely interested in becoming part of their legacy.

✨Align with Their Values

Shepherd Neame values authenticity, diversity, and teamwork. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this. Sharing your commitment to creating an inclusive kitchen environment can set you apart from other candidates.

Head Chef in Dorking
Kings Arms
Location: Dorking

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