Executive Chef The Lister Arms & The Buck Inn Malham

Daniel Thwaites PLC; Unstone; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in the United Kingdom is seeking a passionate Executive Chef to lead and inspire kitchen teams in delivering exceptional dining experiences. This is a unique opportunity for a rosette-standard chef with leadership experience, creativity, and a strong focus on culinary excellence. The role offers a competitive salary, career progression, and comprehensive employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Wagestream access to wages

28 days annual leave (33 days after 5 years)

Health cash plan

Generous employee discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Apprenticeships available

Life assurance

Bespoke training programmes

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience as Head Chef or Executive Chef in a multi-site environment.
• Ability to deliver at a 2–3 rosette standard.
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire kitchen teams across two venues.
• Develop operational plans in collaboration with management.
• Design innovative menus that exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff.
• Control costs and ensure efficient kitchen operations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Culinary excellence

Operational planning

Menu innovation

Food safety compliance

Team development

Education

Food Safety Level 4 qualification (or willingness to achieve)

Job description

Are you a passionate foodie with proven leadership skills?

We’re looking for a talented and driver Executive Chef to lead and inspire kitchen teams across two of our premium Inns, delivering exceptional dining experiences that showcase the best seasonal produce. This is a unique opportunity to shape the food identity of both venues - bringing creativity, consistency, and culinary excellence to every plate. You’ll be hands‑on in service, inspiring both teams with your passion for seasonal produce, and ensuring both sites deliver standout guest experiences day in, day out.

Your Day to Day:

• Lead from the front: Run services with precision, ensuring smooth operations and consistent quality.
• Operational Planning – Develop and deliver meaningful operational plans for venues in collaboration with General Managers and the Head of Food
• Menu Innovation & Quality – Design menus that exceed guest expectations, positioning venues as recognised foodie destinations through hyper‑seasonality, provenance, on‑trend menu design, consistent delivery,
• Champion compliance: Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and allergen awareness.
• Build and develop teams: Recruit, train, and inspire chefs to achieve excellence.
• Manage profitability: Control costs, monitor performance, and keep kitchens efficient without compromising craft.

Who Are We Looking For

You’ll be working closely with the General Manager and Head of Food, you’ll balance innovation with operational precision - designing menus that reflect local character while meeting key business goals. From team development and supplier relationships to cost control and compliance, you’ll be the driving force behind two high‑performing kitchens. You’ll be a proven leader with experience as Head Chef or Executive Chef in a multi‑site environment for at least 3 years. You’ll be skilled in delivering to 2–3 rosette standard. We are looking for someone who is passionate about food, detail‑oriented, and solution‑focused. You’ll have strong organisational skills and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced setting. Ideally you will be Food Safety Level 4 qualified (or willingness to achieve).

If you’re a rosette‑standard chef with a hunger to lead from the front, we’d love to hear from you.

In return, we are offering a rewarding role with scope for career progression along with;

• A competitive salary, negotiable dependent on experience
• Wagestream - the ability to access up to 40% of your wages as you earn them each week
• 28 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years)
• Health cash plan
• Generous employee discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Apprenticeships available
• Life assurance
• Bespoke training programmes accessible to all
• An engaging & supportive work environment