Head Chef

Leonardo Hotel Management (UK) Limited; Chester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Special rates on Leonardo Hotel rooms

Recognition scheme

Talent referral scheme

Thank You Week

Wellbeing Calendar

Ongoing training and progression paths

Job summary

Leonardo Hotels is seeking a Head Chef to direct the Kitchen department across our UK hotels. You will lead daily operations, design menus, manage costs, and inspire a vibrant team to deliver memorable guest experiences.

The role emphasizes strategic kitchen leadership, cost effectiveness, staff development, and cross-department collaboration to uphold Leonardo’s service standards across the estate.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef in a hotel or restaurant.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proven ability to design menus and manage food costs.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Kitchen department daily operations and lead the team.
• Develop creative menus and manage food cost controls.
• Coach and nurture the kitchen team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Collaborate with other departments to uphold service standards.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu design

Cost management

Staff development

Creative thinking

Job description

Be 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!

Some 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 progression

We’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! At Leonardo Hotels, our vision is very simple: to be the first choice for everyone who values genuine hospitality!

We are a Disability Confident Employer and a member of the Valuable 500.

We partner with social enterprises to change attitudes towards disability, and provide opportunities ensuring everyone is able to fulfil their potential at work.