Operations Head Chef 

Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse - We are thrilled to have been recently crowned the ‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025 at The Publican Awards! 

Join us as an Operations Head Chef and we can offer you a generous package of up to £47,000 per year PLUS Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus plus car contributions!

We’re looking for a Operations Head Chef to lead our passionate brigades of BBQ enthusiasts, you will be responsible for running our bespoke kitchens, and delivering the very best food that a Smokehouse can offer. Are you an experienced or aspiring Area Chef looking for your next challenge? You will join us on a full time, permanent basis and you will receive a competitive package. As a Operations Head Chef, we can offer you amazing opportunities due to our exciting expansion plans and a company culture that really cares and embraces work life balance. Apply now and we can tell you all about it.

Key responsibilities of our Operations Head Chef:

• Inspire, motivate and manage the back of house managements performance and succession
• Oversee enthusiastic and hard­working teams delivering a quality service to a high standard
• Promote a positive work place culture, through training and development and living and breathing our five star values
• Supporting the Exec.Chef in the continous development and growth of our kitchens 
• Ensuring all kitchen complaince, driving high standards throughout 

Essential requirements of a Hickory’s Operations Head Chef:

• Previous experience in a similar role within a fast-paced restaurant environment
• Ability to lead and inspire multiple teams
• Possess excellent organisational skills
• Flexible and adaptable in your approach to work
• Prepared to travel and commute for the opportunity
• Must have a driving license and access to a carr

Thank You’s & Benefits:

• A generous Operations Head Chef package of up to £47,000 per year
• The chance to work in one of our £250k bespoke built kitchens, with authentic smokers imported all the way from USA
• Excellent training & progression opportunities – through our award-winning Hickory’s Training Academy
• Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends - every year
• Free smokin’ BBQ on shift – team food & drinks menu
• Christmas Day off work - every year
• Moments that matter – paid occasion days off (Wedding day, kid’s first day at school, moving into first home & more)
• Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory’s (rising to 50% for loyal service)
• Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
• Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme, plus a Wellbeing Champion in each restaurant to support you
• Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red Zone
• A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
• Up to £500 for you – through the refer a friend scheme

If that sounds good or does it leave you wanting to find out more? Click ‘apply’ now and you could be our next Operations Head Chef.

REF: INDSP ASCNO