Executive Head Chef

Le Strange Arms; King's Lynn and West Norfolk; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff incentives

Flexible working patterns

Tips on top of competitive pay

Staff discounts

Job summary

Chestnut is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead and shape the food offering across three coastal outlets: Le Strange Arms Hotel, The Ancient Mariner, and Dune. You will oversee three distinct concepts, champion seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients, and drive performance across the site.

You will lead and develop your team, maintain high standards of quality and hygiene, and work with the General Manager to deliver a cohesive, commercially successful operation.

Qualifications

• Experience at Executive Chef level leading multi-outlet operation.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proven ability to design seasonal menus and manage GP.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee kitchen operations across multiple outlets.
• Design and develop seasonal menus aligned to Chestnut’s food vision.
• Recruit, train and inspire kitchen teams for high performance.
• Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Manage stock, ordering, GP and supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with General Manager for cohesive team culture.

Job description

Executive Chef of Three distinct food destinations, Le Strange Arms, 50-bedroom Hotel | The Ancient Mariner, busy coastal pub | The Dune, A relaxed beach side destination.

Set on the North Norfolk coast overlooking the sea and sand dunes, These three Destinations are known for relaxed hospitality, fresh local food and a welcoming atmosphere for both visitors and the local community.

We are now looking for an experienced Executive Chef to lead and shape the food offering across the hotel. At Chestnut, we champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus and dishes that feel generous, considered and consistent.

As Executive chef you will oversee and take lead across three complementary food offers, each with its own identity and potential for growth-

Le Strange Arms Hotel

A coastal hotel offering restaurant dining, breakfast, lunch, dinner and events, serving residents, holidaymakers and local guests. From relaxed daytime dining to special occasions and busy seasonal services, you’ll ensure the food delivers on quality, consistency and the experience guests expect.

The Ancient Mariner

A characterful coastal pub serving locals and visitors alike. Well-executed classics, excellent seafood, generous portions and dishes that make people choose to return. You’ll balance quality and personality with the pace and value a successful pub demands.

Dune

A relaxed, beachside destination with a strong seasonal offering. Dune offers the chance to create a food experience that feels right for its coastal setting — approachable, vibrant

You will lead and develop your team, maintain high standards across food quality and hygiene, and work closely with the General Manager and Kitchen Operations Manager to drive performance. You’ll play a central role in menu development across all outlets, developing the food and ensuring a cohesive yet flexible offering that reflects both seasonality and the character of the North Norfolk coast.

This role requires a confident, hands‑on leader who thrives in a busy environment, particularly during peak coastal seasons, while maintaining strong organisation, cost control and consistency year‑round. You will be responsible for delivering strong commercial performance, managing GP, labour and supplier relationships across the site.

This is a great opportunity to take on a flagship coastal operation within a growing group and make a real impact.

If you’re passionate about great food, building strong teams and leading from the front, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all kitchen operations across multiple outlets
• Design and develop seasonal menus aligned to Chestnut’s food vision
• Recruit, train and inspire the kitchen team, creating a high-performing environment
• Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service
• Manage stock control, ordering, GP and compliance across the site
• Build strong supplier relationships and maintain cost control
• Work closely with the General Manager to deliver a cohesive and engaged team culture

Why Join Us?

• Team and individual incentives, including staff days out and trips abroad
• Flexible working patterns to support work-life balance
• Tips on top of competitive pay, with access to Wagestream
• Perks of Working with Us
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative team across the Chestnut group
• Food and room discounts for you and your friends
• Access to the Chestnut Hub with hundreds of high street discounts
• High-quality staff food provided
• Industry-recognised training and development opportunities
• Employee recognition and reward schemesReferral bonus of up to £1,500

Who are Chestnut?

Based in East Anglia, we are a growing collection of pubs with rooms and Bottle Shops. We are proud yet grounded, and always focused on doing the best for our people. Our teams are at the heart of everything we do, and we offer flexibility and opportunity to support long‑term careers in hospitality.

INDCP