Head Chef

Doubletree by Hilton Lincoln; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium hotel in Lincoln is seeking a skilled Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations and manage a team. This role requires experience in high-volume kitchen environments and a solid grasp of health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will be a leader dedicated to mentoring staff and enhancing culinary offerings. Competitive pay and benefits including discounts, bonuses, and opportunities for further development are provided.

Benefits

Competitive pay and package

Exclusive Team Member discounts

Continuous learning & development opportunities

Free access to employee assistance program

Additional annual leave and family leave

Service bonus for long service

Team Member recognition bonuses

Uniform Provided

Additional pension contribution

Qualifications

• Experience in a branded hotel setting preferred.
• Ability to oversee a multifaceted kitchen brigade.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation of the kitchen.
• Manage food costs and stock control.
• Supervise kitchen staff training and performance.

Skills

Leadership and team motivation

High-volume kitchen management

Health, safety, and hygiene knowledge

Payroll control and management

Menu profitability analysis

Job description

Perched on Brayford Marina in the heart of Lincoln, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lincoln serves as a perfect backdrop for any type of gathering including conferences, business meetings, weddings, receptions, leisure stays, and celebrations.

This downtown hotel features fully air‑conditioned flexible event space. The hotel's full catering and banquet service includes delicious offerings which can be tailored to cater for any type of event. From business conferences to cocktail parties and weddings, this downtown hotel serves as a stylish backdrop for every occasion.

Enjoy the hotel's relaxing, yet professional atmosphere with contemporary style, as well as its proximity to local Lincoln attractions and shopping. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic Bailgate area or visit the majestic Lincoln Cathedral and discover the rich history of the Lincoln Castle.

What we’re looking for :

The Head Chef will be an experienced individual who ideally has worked within a branded hotel setting previous. Experience overseeing a multifaceted kitchen brigade and function is key and so a solid track record of managing high‑volume conferences and banqueting. You will maintain a comprehensive understanding and management of kitchen health, safety, and hygiene. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends is a must. And so is the skill to lead, motivate and inspire a team of chefs at all levels.

Day in the life of :

Responsibility for the smooth operation of the hotel’s kitchen function alongside the Cluster Executive Head Chef. This role will ensure the running of a smooth operation, and continual development of the kitchen’s offering and people, and this role has the responsibility for the kitchen’s health and safety alongside Executive Chef.

Accountable for the control of the kitchen including GP’s, food cost of sale, ordering and stock control. Responsible for the successful visits of all internal and external auditors, including the Environmental Health Officers and branded Quality Assurance.

Reporting to the Cluster Executive Head Chef this will be a senior role within the hotel. The Head Chef will ensure that the kitchen’s communication with all other departments is a healthy and successful partnership, especially with the restaurant and Meeting and Events team.

Example key responsibilities :

• Monitor sales figures by menu item, review the profitability and popularity of dishes on all menus and make changes where applicable in conjunction with the Executive Head Chef and brand requirements.
• Participate in ideas and menus for all events and functions working closely with the Executive Head Chef.
• Supervise the kitchen brigade and present / hands‑on during key operational periods.
• Monitoring and management of kitchen standards. Ensuring compliance with all external and internal requirements.
• Payroll control and management, overseeing the production of the kitchen rota.
• Control of food purchasing and stock management working closely with the key senior management team on this.
• Working with Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
• Organise and supervise the training of kitchen staff, motivating all staff to increase skills in food preparation and kitchen management. Ensure all training given is accurately recorded and that all staff are reviewed and appraised within the necessary time frames.

What you’ll get in return :

• Competitive pay and package including TRONC
• Exclusive Team Member discounted stays and 50% off F&B across the leaf HOSPITALITY portfolio
• Continuous learning & development opportunities
• Free access to 24 / 7 employee assistance program
• Additional annual leave and family leave
• Service bonus for 5 and 10 years up to £1K
• Team Member of the month - £100 and Team Member of the year - £500
• Uniform Provided
• Additional pension contribution

This hotel is managed by leaf HOSPITALITY who is a hotel management company that has one simple value that underpins everything we do : be excellent. We work with branded and independent hotels. Our vision is to be a leader in the market where every member of our team plays a part in delivering excellent service to our guests, owners, and team members.

#BeExcellent #BeHuman #HaveIntegrity #BeEntrepreneurial