Head Chef

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel room discounts (UK & Europe)

Recognition program

Thank You Week activities

Ongoing training programmes

Job summary

Leonardo Hotels is seeking a Head Chef to lead the Kitchen department, directing strategic initiatives and daily operations while engaging the team to deliver memorable guest experiences. You will design menus, manage costs, and act as the hotel ambassador, upholding the company vision and values across the property.

You will nurture talent, drive revenue, and inspire a vibrant kitchen culture to exceed guest expectations in a busy, guest-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a busy kitchen and ability to manage a team.
• Experience designing menus and controlling food costs.
• Strong guest experience mindset and ambassador for the hotel brand.

Responsibilities

• Direct strategic initiatives and objectives for the Kitchen department.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations through the team.
• Act as ambassador for Leonardo Hotels and the local property.
• Inspire and nurture talent to exceed guest expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Cost management

Menu design

Team development

Strategic planning

Job description

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!

INDLH

Some of the perks you 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
• Thank You Week: from ice cream trucks to yoga classes and lots in between!
• 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.

We look after our colleagues just as well as we look after our guests. Whether you join the NYX team, a Limited Edition or a Leonardo Hotel, you're part of the Leonardo Hotels community of over 55 hotels across the UK & Ireland. 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!