At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a fresh-food kitchen, create seasonal menus, and inspire your team.
- Company: Craft Locals, known for great hospitality and fresh, seasonal food.
- Benefits: 50% off food, 20% off drinks, 28 days holiday, and team socials.
- Other info: Enjoy a work/life balance with autonomy and support from head office.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a flagship kitchen and shape exciting menus.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef experience and a passion for seasonal pub food.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
At Craft Locals, we pride ourselves on our passion for hospitality, great beer and great food. The Grand Junction Arms is a landmark canalside pub at Bulbourne, just outside Tring. With vast gardens, outdoor bars and a reputation for fresh, seasonal food, summers here are massive – and we’re reopening with a fresh start.
We’re looking for a dynamic, passionate and creative Head Chef who can lead from the front, inspire their team, and put their stamp on a busy fresh-food kitchen.
What’s in it for you
- Influence: Real input into menus, seasonal dishes, specials and events
- Perks: 50% off food & 20% off drinks across the group, 28 days holiday, staff discount, team socials, sharers
- Training & development: Supplier visits, brewery trips and regular food development opportunities
- Work/life balance: We believe in working to live, not living to work — we rota fairly and sustainably
- Autonomy: The freedom to run your kitchen properly, with head office support not interference
What you’ll be doing
- Leading a fresh-food kitchen delivering consistent quality and standards
- Writing menus, creating seasonal specials and designing dishes for events
- Managing, motivating and training the kitchen team to reach their potential
- Driving GP, labour and compliance through strong financial management
- Building relationships with local suppliers and championing seasonal produce
- Running efficient kitchen operations with digital systems and best practice processes
What we’re looking for
- Proven Head Chef experience in a high-volume, fresh-food pub or restaurant (not a first appointment)
- A creative chef with a passion for seasonal pub food and consistency under pressure
- A strong leader who can recruit, motivate and retain their team
- Commercial awareness — confident managing food margins, labour and compliance
- Organised, energetic and committed to delivering quality every service
- A great communicator who works closely with the GM and FOH team
This is a rare opportunity to take charge of a flagship kitchen, shape the menus, and lead a talented team in one of Hertfordshire’s most exciting pub reopenings. Apply today and make your mark at the Grand Junction Arms.
Head Chef in Tring employer: The Grand Junction Arms
At Craft Locals, we are dedicated to creating a vibrant work environment where our Head Chef can truly shine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal food and a commitment to work-life balance, we offer competitive perks such as generous discounts, 28 days of holiday, and opportunities for professional development through supplier visits and brewery trips. Join us at The Grand Junction Arms, where you will have the autonomy to lead a talented kitchen team and make a significant impact in a landmark canalside pub.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Tring
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs, restaurant owners, and industry folks. Attend local food events or join culinary groups to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creations. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or pubs you admire, like the Grand Junction Arms, and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your social media profiles with your latest culinary achievements and engage with food communities. This can help you get noticed by recruiters and show off your passion for seasonal pub food.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Tring
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal food shine through. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for the culinary arts, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in high-volume kitchens and highlights your leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a team, so showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate this.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your cover letter. We appreciate authenticity and want to know what makes you tick as a chef. Share your vision for the kitchen and how you plan to make your mark!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Grand Junction Arms
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with seasonal ingredients and current food trends. Be ready to discuss your ideas for menus and specials that could fit the Grand Junction Arms' vibe. This shows your passion and creativity!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you motivate and train your staff, and share any specific challenges you've overcome. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team effectively.
✨Understand Financial Management
Brush up on your knowledge of food margins, labour costs, and compliance. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles. This will highlight your commercial awareness and ability to drive profitability.
✨Build Relationships with Suppliers
Think about how you can champion local produce and build strong relationships with suppliers. Be ready to share your experiences in sourcing quality ingredients and how this has positively impacted your previous kitchens.
