At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Company: Join Marston’s, an award-winning local pub company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and amazing discounts on food and accommodation.
- Other info: Explore diverse career pathways and enjoy extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Elevate your culinary skills while making a real impact in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or ready to step up from a Sous Chef role.
The predicted salary is between 14.5 - 14.5 £ per hour.
Lead a team to success in our kitchen. You'll be responsible for raising the bar and setting the standards across your kitchen. Playing a key part in the pub management team, you'll strive to create memorable experiences that leave our guests wanting to come back for more. Our kitchen is where it's at: As well as having a passion for food, you'll jump at the opportunity to grow, develop and retain a motivated kitchen team in one of our pubs across the country.
As a Head Chef:
- You'll have experience in a similar Kitchen Manager/Head Chef role or be ready to step up from a Sous/Second Chef position.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure all food and hygiene standards are consistently met.
- Have a positive attitude and the ability to create a buzz in your kitchen.
- Achieve the highest standards, ensuring the business is safe and that food quality and speed of service targets are met.
- Maintain clear communication with your kitchen and wider pub team.
- Take pride in the meals that you and your team produce.
What comes next is up to you: Whether you’d like to progress your skills further in the Head Chef role or explore wider opportunities across our pub, hotels and pub support centre we have a range of career pathways to suit all. Come as you are. Personality counts for more than anything else here. We’ll accept you and celebrate you for being you. We can’t wait to see what we can make happen together. Marston’s could be the making of you.
Pay & Schedule
- From £14.50 per hour, 40hrs per week.
- Performance related bonus.
- Reliable hours contract (or salaried in certain sites).
- Privilege card discount.
What We Offer
- £4.50 refuel at work meal deal whilst on shift.
- 30% off at all our pubs, restaurants and hotels.
- Flexible and part‑time hours available to work around your family or higher education.
- Marston’s Cheers Reward & Recognition Platform (earn points to spend and access high‑street retailer discounts).
- Health screening discounts.
- Long service awards.
- Gym discounts.
- 24‑hour GP helpline.
- Mortgage advice and support.
- Scope to build your career and progress through our internal career pathway, DNA, including access to our innovative app‑based training.
- Access to Licensed Trade Charity for financial, mental and emotional well‑being support.
- Professional well‑being support for pub and support centre teams.
- Optional on‑site accommodation for pub General Manager roles.
- Membership in a company contributory pension scheme (salaried roles) and auto‑enrolment for hourly roles.
- Private healthcare scheme for eligible roles.
- High‑street, online discounts and cashback offers for all employees.
- Employee discount of 30% on Marston’s food and hotel stays.
- Extensive apprenticeship offer, dedicated L&D teams and award‑winning e‑learning platforms.
Benefits & Recognitions
- Award‑winning local pub company, named one of the UK’s Top 100 employers and #1 in the pub sector for 2025 (Financial Times UK’s Best Employers list).
- Performance related bonus schemes for pub management, operations and sales roles; discretionary company bonus scheme for support centre teams.
- Long service awards for loyalty.
Qualifications
- Experience in a comparable Kitchen Manager/Head Chef role, or readiness to step up from a Sous/Second Chef position.
Head Chef employer: Marston's PLC
Marston's is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where personality and passion for food are celebrated. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide numerous career pathways, flexible working hours, and a range of benefits including discounts at our pubs and hotels, health support, and award-winning training programmes. Join us in creating memorable dining experiences while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 Marston's PLC. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Marston's PLC
Don't be shy about reaching out to Marston's PLC 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
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 Marston's PLC 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 Marston's PLC
✨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!
