Head Chef – Up to £65,000 Package

Location: Mid Sussex (Own transport essential)

Cuisine: Fresh, Seasonal, Rosette-Standard Modern British

Work-Life Balance: 2.5 Days Off Weekly | 3 Evenings Off | Approx. 9.15pm Finish

About the Client

Here at Pineapple Recruitment, we are recruiting on behalf of one of Sussex’s premier independent restaurants. A bustling 150-cover venue known for serving exceptional modern British cuisine using fresh, seasonal produce, they offer a supportive, family-run kitchen environment along with a genuinely superb work-life balance.

The Role & Responsibilities

You will take full responsibility for leading a brigade of 9 chefs, driving culinary standards, developing menus, and ensuring smooth daily operations. This is a hands-on leadership role where your creativity, organisation, and calm authority will shape the kitchen. Key duties include:

• Kitchen Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a 9-chef brigade, organising rotas, recipe manuals, and ongoing training.
• Menu Development: Enjoy full creative input into seasonal menus, daily specials, weddings, events, and buffets.
• Culinary Excellence: Maintain exceptional food quality and presentation to a Rosette standard using fresh, local produce.
• Commercial Management: Manage ordering, stock control, GP margins, budgeting, and waste reduction.
• Compliance & Collaboration: Uphold strict hygiene and safety standards while working closely with Front of House management for seamless service.

About You

We are seeking a creative, organised, and passionate leader with:

• Proven Head Chef experience within high-quality fresh-produce restaurants or premium gastropubs.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, maintaining a calm, composed manner under pressure.
• Strong commercial acumen, including proven expertise in GP targets, budgeting, and kitchen cost control.
• Own transport is essential due to the location (no accommodation provided).

Package & Benefits

• Total Package: Up to £65,000 per annum (includes competitive base salary plus weekly tips and bonuses averaging £6,000+ annually).
• Outstanding Hours: 4.5 days over 7 (mix of splits and straights) with 2.5 days off per week.
• Great Shift Pattern: 3 evenings off every week and early finishes (out of the kitchen by approx. 9.15pm weekdays and 7.30pm Sundays).
• Environment: Supportive, family-run business offering full creative autonomy.

(Please note: On rare occasions, shift patterns, working hours, or schedules may adjust depending on specific business requirements).

Pineapple Recruitment are recruiting for this role on behalf of our client and are acting as a Recruitment Agency.