Head Chef

Leonardo Hotels; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room rates for Leonardo Hotels

Vouchers and recognition scheme

Talent referral programme

Wellbeing calendar

Training and progression programmes

Job summary

Leonardo Hotels Cheltenham seeks a proactive Head Chef to lead the Kitchen, shape menus and manage costs while driving revenue. You will inspire a vibrant team, maintain high service standards, and act as a hotel ambassador within the Leonardo Hotels estate.

You will design culinary concepts, mentor staff, and collaborate with other departments to deliver memorable guest experiences and support hotelwide objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a hotel/restaurant kitchen.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Knowledge of menu design and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Kitchen department's strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.
• Act as ambassador for Leonardo Cheltenham and collaborate with hotel departments.
• Design menus and manage food costs to maximise profitability.
• Nurture talent and develop a high-performing kitchen team.
• Drive revenue while controlling costs and ensuring guests have exceptional experiences.
• Maintain calm and organized kitchen operations and lead by example.
• Contribute to the hotel's wider strategic running and progression pathways.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu design

Cost control

Revenue driving

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

## Head ChefApply: Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham: Full time: Posted Today: JR105873Be Yourself – Be a Bold Team Player – Be Leonardo Once you’re part of the team, you’re part of the Leonardo community of over 55 hotels across the UK & Ireland!The Head Chef will direct the strategic initiatives and objectives of the Kitchen department, as well as managing day to day operations through the engagement of the team. All members of the department work together to create memorable moments for guests, in line with both company and hotel-specific service standards, and collaborate closely with other departments within the hotel. You will act as an ambassador for your own hotel and the wider Leonardo Hotels estate, demonstrating the company vision, mission and values. At all times, you will treat others around you with respect, dignity and fairness. As a Head Chef, you’ll be keeping your department running like clockwork and leading your team to ensure our guests have an incredible experience with us. Take a deep breath because you’ll be stepping into a busy role! You’ll think creatively to design food menus and items, and be in control of cost management in the Kitchen. You’ll also be nurturing the talent within your Kitchen, showing patience and understanding to all colleagues, and inspiring a vibrant team to exceed our guests’ expectations. If you’re our ideal Head Chef, you will: • Keep the department calm, composed and organised – we don’t let it get too hot • Be a role model for the department to support progression within your team • Be proactive and contribute in the strategic running of the hotel• Aspire to grow with us – with our amazing Senior Chef Programme, you can take your skills and career to the next level • Show us the money and drive revenue whilst controlling costs, maximising profit for the Kitchen • And above all, be a trendsetter – lead the way!INDLHSome of the perks our Head Chef could enjoy include:* Special rates on Leonardo Hotel rooms across the UK & Europe* Company-wide recognition scheme: you could earn vouchers to spend on a wide range of high street shops* Talent referral scheme* Thank You Week: from ice cream trucks to yoga classes and lots in between!* Wellbeing Calendar* Ongoing job-related training programmes with clear paths for progressionWe’re committed to creating a workplace where every individual—regardless of background, identity, or lived experience—is welcomed, valued, and respected for who they are. Belonging means embracing our differences and ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.Why come join us as a Head Chef?We look after our colleagues just as well as we look after our guests. Our regular Learning Bites, “Come Join Us Guest Care” training and Wellbeing webinars all help your progress with us. With support on tap, top-notch practical training and clear progression you’ll be on track for a brilliant future in Hospitality!