Head Chef – Kenilworth Pub

Salary: £34,000 per annum + profit-related bonus
Location: Kenilworth
Accommodation: Large private flat provided, with all bills paid apart from council tax
Hours: 7-day operation, with a strong focus on work-life balance

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and ambitious Head Chef to take full control of the kitchen at a well-established local pub in Kenilworth.

The pub is undergoing a full refurbishment, including a complete upgrade of the kitchen with modern professional equipment such as Rational combi ovens, vacuum-packing equipment and sous-vide facilities. This is an excellent opportunity for a chef who wants to put their own stamp on a kitchen and play a key role in shaping its future.

The owners are open to speaking with an experienced Sous Chef who is ready to take the next step into a Head Chef position.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the kitchen operation, working closely with the owner in what is intended to be more of a partnership than a traditional chef/owner relationship.

You will have genuine autonomy and responsibility for:

• Creating and developing menus that reflect your passion and cooking style

• Managing food costs, GP and the kitchen P&L

• Leading, developing and motivating the kitchen team

• Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality and presentation

• Managing stock, ordering and suppliers

• Ensuring excellent kitchen organisation and food hygiene standards

• Making the most of the newly refurbished kitchen and modern equipment

• Working closely with the owner on the development and success of the pub

• Building a positive, professional kitchen culture

An additional Sous Chef will be recruited to support you, giving you the opportunity to build a strong and well-balanced kitchen team.

Work-Life Balance

The owners are keen to move away from the traditional culture of Head Chefs working relentlessly, seven days a week.

Although the pub operates 7 days a week, they want the successful Head Chef to have a sustainable working pattern, including regular time off and some weekends away from the kitchen.

The aim is to create a role where you can lead the kitchen successfully without burning out.

What They're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• A passionate and ambitious chef who takes pride in their food

• An experienced Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready for their next step

• Confident creating and costing menus

• Comfortable taking responsibility for a kitchen P&L

• A natural leader who can build and develop a team

• Commercially aware while maintaining high culinary standards

• Organised, hands-on and proactive

• Someone who wants genuine input and ownership rather than simply following someone else's menu

• A chef who enjoys working closely with an owner and being part of a partnership

Most importantly, they are looking for someone who is passionate about food, people and creating a successful kitchen.

Package

• £34,000 salary

• 5% profit-related bonus after 12 months

• Minimum £5,000 bonus payment

• Large private flat included with the position

• All accommodation bills paid, excluding council tax

• Newly refurbished kitchen with modern professional equipment

• Additional Sous Chef joining the team

• Genuine autonomy over the kitchen and menus

• Close working relationship with the owner

• Strong focus on work-life balance and avoiding chef burnout

This is a rare opportunity for a chef to take genuine ownership of a kitchen, work in partnership with an owner and help shape an exciting refurbished pub operation — while still enjoying a healthy work-life balance.