Head Chef

Hesketh James; Menai Bridge; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

Hesketh James in Wales is seeking an experienced Head Chef for a beautiful, food-led pub. You will lead the kitchen, ensuring top-quality food, consistent presentation, and excellent guest experience while developing a strong, capable team.

You’ll work with seasonal produce, control GP and labour costs, and shape the menu to reflect the pub’s surroundings and local sourcing. Live-in accommodation may be provided, with a salary up to £50,000 + bonus.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef within a quality gastro pub, hotel or restaurant.
• A genuine passion for fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Proven experience managing food GP, labour costs and kitchen budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen team and day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, preparation and presentation.
• Develop fresh, seasonal dishes using quality, locally sourced ingredients.
• Ensure smooth kitchen operations during service and manage ordering/stock.
• Lead from the front during busy services and drive cost control and profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Food quality

Budget management

Operational discipline

Job description

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum + bonus + live-in

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and passionate Head Chef to join a beautiful, food-led pub in one of the most stunning locations in Wales.

Set in an absolutely breathtaking location, this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef to combine a rewarding culinary career with an exceptional quality of life. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastline, the pub attracts a strong mix of local customers, regulars, walkers, tourists and visitors throughout the year.

The business is run by highly experienced operators who have a strong understanding of what makes a successful pub and are passionate about delivering great food, excellent hospitality and a genuinely warm and welcoming experience.

The pub has built a strong reputation for its food, drink and atmosphere and is an established destination for both locals and visitors.

The Role

Food is at the heart of the operation, and we're looking for a Head Chef who shares that passion.

You'll be responsible for leading the kitchen and ensuring the highest standards are maintained across food quality, consistency, presentation and service. This is a hands-on role for a chef who enjoys being in the kitchen, leading from the front and developing a strong team around them.

You'll have the opportunity to put your own stamp on the food offering, working with fresh, seasonal produce and creating dishes that reflect the quality of the pub and its beautiful surroundings.

This is a busy, food-led operation with bedrooms, where quality, consistency and guest satisfaction are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, motivate and develop an experienced kitchen team. Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, preparation and presentation. Develop fresh, seasonal dishes using quality and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Work closely with the operators to develop and evolve the food offering. Ensure smooth and efficient kitchen operations throughout service. Manage ordering, stock control and relationships with suppliers. Take full responsibility for food GP, labour costs, wastage and kitchen budgets. Drive efficiency and commercial performance while never compromising on quality. Lead from the front during busy services and remain calm and organised under pressure. Ensure all food safety, hygiene and compliance standards are consistently maintained. Recruit, train, develop and retain a strong kitchen team. Create a positive kitchen culture built around teamwork, high standards and pride in the food. Play a key role in delivering an excellent overall guest experience and encouraging repeat business.

About You

We're looking for an experienced and passionate head chef with strong leadership skills and a genuine love of quality food and hospitality.

You’ll ideally have:

Previous experience as a Head Chef within a quality gastro pub, hotel or restaurant. A genuine passion for fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce. Strong leadership and people development skills. Proven experience managing food GP, labour costs and kitchen budgets. Excellent organisational and operational skills. The ability to remain calm and lead effectively during busy services. A hands-on approach and willingness to lead from the front. A desire to build, develop and retain a successful kitchen team. The creativity and ambition to develop a food offering that keeps guests coming back.

The Package

Salary up to £50,000, depending on experience. Bonus scheme. Share of tronc and tips. Live-in accommodation available, if required. Ongoing training and development. Long-term career opportunities within a successful, well-established business. The opportunity to live and work in an exceptionally beautiful part of Wales.

The Opportunity

This is far more than just another Head Chef position.

It's an opportunity to join a well-established, independently operated pub where you will have genuine responsibility, a strong level of autonomy and the opportunity to make your mark on the kitchen.

For someone who loves great food, enjoys leading a team and wants to combine their career with an outstanding lifestyle, this could be a fantastic next move.