Executive Chef

Theruckusgroup; Deal; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique restaurant in the Kent countryside is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the kitchen team. The role involves designing seasonal menus, managing kitchen operations, and fostering a positive team culture. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in produce-driven cuisine and a passion for local food. This is a hands-on position offering a competitive salary and numerous staff benefits.

Benefits

Generous staff discounts

Annual staff celebrations

Industry trips and experiences

Creative freedom in the kitchen

Qualifications

• Experience as an Executive Chef is required.
• Must demonstrate a passion for local produce and seasonal cuisine.
• Ability to foster a strong team culture is essential.

Responsibilities

• Designing and cooking menus that highlight seasonal produce.
• Leading and developing a small kitchen team.
• Maintaining high standards in taste and presentation.
• Managing kitchen safety and operations.

Skills

Experience in quality, produce-driven kitchens

Love of local, seasonal food

Leadership skills

Creativity in cooking

Calm under pressure

Job description

Executive Chef needed for a boutique Restaurant with rooms near Deal In Kent.

Location: Deal (CT14)
Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum Bonus

We’re a small, independent restaurant with rooms, tucked away in the Kent countryside near Deal. Our food is all about seasonality, simplicity, and flavour, much of it grown in our own garden or sourced from local farmers and producers. We keep things relaxed but thoughtful, offering our guests something a little bit special without any fuss.

The Role

We’re looking for an Executive Chefto take the lead in our kitchen. This is a hands-on role for someone who loves cooking with the seasons, isn’t afraid to get creative, and can bring out the best in their team. You’ll run the day-to-day kitchen operation, shape the menus, and make sure everything that leaves the pass is spot-on.

What’s On Offer:

• Salary up to £65,000depending on experience.
• 45–50 hours a week.
• Generous staff discounts for you and your family.
• Annual staff celebrations and free access to our events and festivals.
• Industry trips and experiences.
• Creative freedom in an ingredient-led kitchen.
• A chance to work somewhere unique, away from the noise of the city.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience as an Executive Chef in quality, produce-driven kitchens.
• A genuine love of local, seasonal food.
• Someone who leads by example and knows how to build a great team culture.
• A creative chef with solid cooking skills and organisation.
• A calm leader under pressure who is ready to get stuck in.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and cooking menus that celebrate the best seasonal produce.
• Leading, inspiring and developing a small, close-knit team.
• Working with growers, farmers, and suppliers around Kent.
• Keeping standards high on taste, presentation, and consistency.
• Staying on top of ordering, stock, and budgets.
• Making sure the kitchen is a safe, positive, and well-run place to work.

If you’re ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role as our next Executive Chef in one of Kent’s best venues, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to join our team and be part of something extraordinary. We are expanding, so it’s a great chance to grow and develop your cooking career.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and value a diverse workforce, create an inclusive culture, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.