Department: Commercial
Location: The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Hours: 35 hrs per week (100% FTE)
Salary Range: £35-38k dependent on experience
Reports to: Commercial Manager
Closing date: Sunday 23rd November 2025, 5pm

The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.


The Historic Dockyard Chatham, the best preserved of all Georgian dockyards, is the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail, and today, is the leading example of a mixed-use heritage estate. A vitally significant historic estate delivering outstanding preservation, an award-winning independent museum, commercial estate, Higher Education campus, leading film location and residential community.

As a registered charity that employs over 140 staff and 300 volunteers, people are at the heart of our Dockyard community. Our culture strives for excellence across the board and our team are hugely passionate and engaged in all aspects of our work. From historic building preservation through the diverse re-use of our historic estate, to engaging the widest possible audiences in learning about the significance and history of the former Royal Dockyard; The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a workplace like no other.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to create and develop the role and menus at this significant site during a period of growth.

In this role, you will oversee the day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service and maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. You will be responsible for developing creative, seasonal menus that align with our venues' unique styles while ensuring allergen compliance and effective cost control. Managing stock, procurement, and supplier relationships will be key, with a strong emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients.

Beyond the kitchen, you will play an active role in engaging with the community, supporting outreach initiatives such as food demonstrations and educational sessions. The role requires flexibility, including working weekends and bank holidays, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

About You

We are looking for a strong leader with the passion to deliver first-class food for our wide range of visitors. Enthusiastic and passionate, the Head Chef will play a pivotal role in the success of our hospitality offer, development of the kitchen team and future development plans. A rare opportunity for a role of this level with a wide variety of catering styles and limited late nights.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and wish to apply for this vacancy, please complete our application form and send it back to us along with a copy of your CV by Sunday 26th October 2025, 5pm.

Completed application forms can be emailed to recruitment@chdt.org.uk or posted to:

Recruitment
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust
The Fitted Rigging House
The Historic Dockyard
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4TZ

Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to contact all unsuccessful candidates.

We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to providing our employees with a work environment free from discrimination in which all can develop and thrive.
We acknowledge and value the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is transparent, fair, and as inclusive as possible for all applicants.