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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating delicious British classics and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewer with over 300 years of history and a vibrant pub culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, discounts, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an inclusive culture, develop your culinary skills, and make a real impact in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Previous experience at a senior chef level is essential; passion for food and leadership is a must.
- Other info: Located in the heart of Canterbury, close to iconic landmarks and a thriving tourist scene.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract: PermanentSalary: Discussed at venue per annum
Head Chef – Lead Our Kitchen with Britain’s Oldest Brewer!
At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Head Chef, you’ll take full responsibility for the kitchen, leading your team to deliver exceptional quality and consistency. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef with strong leadership skills and a passion for creating outstanding dishes.
Where You’ll Be Working
Set in the heart of Canterbury, the Shakespeare is located in a quaint cobbled street in the centre of the city. With the pub close to Canterbury Cathedral it’s a great place to seek out dinner and drinks after a day on the tourist trail. The adjoining wine bar opens onto the Buttermarket square opposite the Cathedral’s main entrance. You can enjoy traditional British classics, Kentish gourmet burgers and artisanal sharing boards, alongside ales and lagers brewed just 10 miles away by Shepherd Neame in Faversham.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu planning to service delivery.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to achieve high standards.
- Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to company specifications.
- Manage stock control, ordering, and cost efficiency.
- Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
- Drive innovation through menu development and seasonal specials.
- Work closely with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
What’s In It For You?
- Competitive hourly pay plus a share of tips
- Early wage withdrawal scheme
- 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
- 25% discount on overnight stays at Managed House Hotels
- Up to 40% off select purchases from our Visitor Centre Shop in Faversham
- Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut on hundreds of high street brands
- Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
- Company pension plan
- Career development opportunities across our pubs, Brewery, and Support Office
- Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle
What You’ll Need
We’re looking for behaviours that make a great Head Chef:
- Working Together – you inspire confidence, guide others positively andenjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.
- Pride and Passion – you care about quality, presentation andensure consistency and high standards.
- Sheps Spirit – you bring enthusiasm and a passion for food.
- Authenticity – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.
Why Shepherd Neame?
Our culture is built on Sheps Spirit, Working Together, Pride and Passion, and Authenticity—values that have guided us for over 300 years. When you join us, you become part of a team that celebrates tradition while shaping the future.
Ready to bring your personality and passion to the kitchen?
Apply today and become part of our story!
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Head Chef employer: Shepherd Neame Ltd
Contact Detail:
Shepherd Neame Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Shepherd Neame's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to authenticity, teamwork, and inclusivity will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlighting your ability to develop and inspire others will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the menu offerings at the Shakespeare and think about how you could enhance or innovate them. Bringing fresh ideas to the table can demonstrate your passion for the role and your understanding of the local dining scene.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Shepherd Neame if possible. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach and show genuine interest in the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your previous experience at a senior chef level. Focus on specific achievements in kitchen management, team leadership, and customer satisfaction that align with the role at Shepherd Neame.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your understanding of Shepherd Neame's values. Mention how your skills can contribute to creating an inclusive culture and delivering high-quality service.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise key skills such as teamwork, pride in your work, and authenticity. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles, particularly in a busy kitchen environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a Head Chef role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherd Neame Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in detail, especially any senior chef roles. Bring examples of dishes you've created or menus you've designed, as this will demonstrate your creativity and expertise in the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
As a Head Chef, leading a team is crucial. Share specific examples of how you've developed and motivated your team in past roles. Highlight your ability to create an inclusive culture, which aligns with Shepherd Neame's values.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Shepherd Neame's offerings, especially their traditional British classics and local ingredients. Showing that you understand their brand and can contribute to their menu will impress the interviewers.
✨Discuss Customer Satisfaction
Prepare to talk about how you ensure customer satisfaction in your kitchen. Share strategies you've implemented to maintain high standards and how you handle feedback, as this is key to the role at Shepherd Neame.