Head Chef

Job title: Head Chef – The Owl, Loughton (£16.50 per hour)
Salary: £16.50 per hour (approx. £32,000 to £34,000 a year based on 37.5 to 40 hours per week)
Job type: Permanent, 37.5 to 40 hours per week
Description:
HEAD CHEF – THE OWL, LOUGHTON IG10 4AL
The Owl is a newly refurbished pub on the edge of Epping Forest, owned by Punch Taverns and managed by CDZ Inns Ltd. We are looking for an experienced and energetic Head Chef to lead our kitchen and take charge of all kitchen operations as we reopen to the public on 27 October 2026.
THE ROLE
* Traditional, high-end English pub food, including traditional Sunday lunches
* Around 180 covers inside and outside
* A very large kitchen
* A set English menu, with your input on specials at a later date
* The option to recruit your own kitchen team if they are not already in place
PAY AND HOURS
* £16.50 per hour (approx. £32,000 to £34,000 a year based on 37.5 to 40 hours)
* Permanent position, employed by CDZ Inns Ltd
* The pub is open noon to 10pm, 7 days a week
* Shifts include early and late, split shifts and weekends. Your working pattern will be agreed with you
* Start date between 1 and 19 October 2026. Pre-opening hours are paid in full for hours trained
* Holiday as per legal entitlement
* NEST pension enrolment
* Further benefits to be discussed at interview
WHAT YOU WILL DO
* Lead and supervise the kitchen team, including chefs, cooks, kitchen assistants and porters, in a collaborative and motivated environment
* Cook to menu specification and oversee production, ensuring quality, presentation and consistency
* Manage daily kitchen operations, including stock, ordering, cleanliness and compliance with health and food safety regulations
* Train staff in food safety, cooking techniques and service standards
* Monitor food preparation to keep the kitchen efficient and minimise waste
* Work closely with front of house to keep service running smoothly in busy periods
* Contribute to menu specials at a later date
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
* 1 to 2 years minimum experience as a Head Chef, or 2 years as a Sous Chef looking to step up to Head Chef
* Strong culinary skills and sound knowledge of food safety
* Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3
* Leadership skills, including the ability to motivate a team under pressure
* Strong organisational skills, including stock, scheduling and daily workflow
* Good communication skills with kitchen staff, front of house and guests
* A hands-on, proactive approach and a real passion for good food
* Right to work in the UK
LOCATION
The Owl is in Loughton, about 10 minutes by car from Loughton Underground (Central Line) and Chingford Overground, and about 15 minutes from Debden, Waltham Cross and Buckhurst Hill. Free parking is available on site.
HOW TO APPLY
Email your CV
Initial three-month live-in accommodation may be available, subject to additional space being created due to refurbishment plans and satisfactory checks
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed