At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Company: The Nags Head, a charming 15th-century inn in Great Missenden.
- Benefits: Flexible work/life balance, bonus opportunities, and tips shared weekly.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a kitchen that values your leadership and culinary passion.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a love for local, seasonal produce.
- Other info: Join a community-focused establishment with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire the team to deliver consistent, memorable food experiences.
- Control the kitchen P&L - from costing to stock management and labour.
- Recruit, train and develop a high performing, happy kitchen team.
- Ensure every plate meets exceptional standards for flavour, presentation and wow factor.
- Own hygiene, compliance and safe working practices.
- A people-first leader who knows happy kitchens make the best food.
- Confident in managing both service and systems.
- Passionate about local produce, seasonal dishes, and a positive kitchen culture.
- Someone who is calm under pressure, has high standards and a passion for culinary excellence.
Ready to run a kitchen that runs on trust and talent? Apply now and let’s talk about where your leadership could take you next. This isn’t just another Head Chef job - this is your chance to take the reins of a kitchen that lives and breathes our Core Values. Driven by people, inspired by innovation and crafted for guests. Here, we don’t just want a Head Chef to run the pass - we want a true leader. Someone who cares about food, and about the people cooking it. If you want ownership, influence, and a role that respects your craft, you’re in the right place.
Nestled in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, The Nags Head is a distinguished 15th-century country inn that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern sophistication. Located in the picturesque village of Great Missenden, just 40 minutes from Central London, this AA 4-star graded establishment offers guests an authentic countryside experience with contemporary comforts. Culinary excellence is at the forefront of The Nags Head's offerings, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Diners can savour dishes from the chef-led menu, complemented by an extensive wine list and a selection of local ales and craft beers. Beyond its gastronomic delights, The Nags Head serves as a hub for community events and special occasions. With its spacious beer garden, pet-friendly policy, and family-friendly environment, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Why work for us?
- Work/Life Balance? A genuine belief in work/life balance and an understanding of working together to promote flexibility.
- Bonus? Up to 15% of salary able to be achieved on a quarterly basis.
- Tips? A Tronc scheme with 100% of gratuities distributed to our teams every week via TipJar.
- Financial Support? Access wages as you earn them through Wagestream.
- Development? Inspirational career development programmes.
- Recognition? Dedicated reward and recognition platform.
- Discounts? Food and Accommodation discounts nationwide.
- Personal support? Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
Head Chef - The Nags Head employer: RedCat Pub Company
Contact Detail:
RedCat Pub Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - The Nags Head
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team before you even step into the kitchen! Reach out on social media or through our website to connect with current staff. Building rapport early can set a positive tone and show that you're genuinely interested in leading a happy kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary passion during interviews! Bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a few seasonal recipes that highlight local produce. This not only showcases your skills but also aligns with our values of innovation and quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure in the kitchen. Share specific examples of past experiences where you maintained high standards while managing a busy service. We love hearing about your calm approach and how you inspire your team under stress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Inquire about our kitchen culture, team dynamics, and how we support work/life balance. This shows us that you’re not just looking for any job, but a place where you can truly thrive and make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Nags Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for culinary excellence shine through. Share your experiences with local produce and seasonal dishes, and how you inspire your team to create memorable food experiences.
Highlight Your Leadership Style: We want to know about your people-first approach! Talk about how you lead and develop a happy kitchen team, and how you maintain high standards under pressure. This is your chance to showcase your leadership skills!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; give us the juicy details! Explain how you've managed kitchen P&L, controlled stock, and ensured compliance. Specific examples will help us see how you fit into our kitchen culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the reins? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We can’t wait to see how your unique skills and experiences can contribute to The Nags Head!
How to prepare for a job interview at RedCat Pub Company
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with The Nags Head's focus on local produce and seasonal dishes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've created memorable food experiences in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a people-first leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop a kitchen team. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in recruiting, training, and fostering a positive kitchen culture, especially under pressure.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen P&L management, including costing, stock management, and labour control. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully managed these aspects in past positions and how you plan to maintain high standards at The Nags Head.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Compliance
Hygiene and safety are paramount in any kitchen. Be ready to talk about your experience with compliance and safe working practices, and how you ensure every plate meets exceptional standards for flavour and presentation while maintaining a clean and safe environment.