Head Chef

Start the next chapter of your career at Hickory’s Smokehouse, proudly crowned Best Pub Employer 2025 at The Publican Awards. As the fastest-growing Southern-style Smokehouse group in the UK, we’re all about traditional American BBQ, strong teams and real progression.

We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead from the front in our fast-paced, high-energy kitchen. You’ll take full ownership of delivering our fresh, authentic BBQ menu, inspire and develop your team, and work closely with the wider operations team to drive standards, consistency and results in one of the busiest restaurants in town.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading and developing a passionate kitchen team
• Running all back of house operations and maintaining top food and safety standards
• Delivering consistent, brand-led BBQ in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrating a full understanding and control of all kitchen financials

About You:

• Experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume kitchen
• Passion for food and pride in what you cook
• Strong knowledge of kitchen financials and health and hygiene legislation
• Positive attitude, strong team ethic and man management skills
• Looking for stability, progression and a great work–life balance

Thank You’s & Benefits:

• A generous Head Chef package of up to £51,000 per year including Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus!
• £250k bespoke-built kitchen with USA-imported smokers
• Award-winning training & clear progression opportunities
• Free team food on shift & a birthday meal on us – Huge BBQ menu with endless possibilities!
• Christmas Day off
• Paid time off for life’s big moments (weddings, first day at school, moving into your first home & more)
• 25% team discount across Hickory’s (Rising to 50% with loyal service)
• 24/7 wellbeing support & a culture that truly values work–life balance
• Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
• Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red
• A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
• Up to £1000 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 Head Chef.

REF: INDCHEF