Head Chef

Warner Hotels; Newark and Sherwood; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym use

40% discounted dining

Pension

Career development opportunities

28 days holiday

Cycle to work

Employee discounts

Free parking

Wellbeing resources

Refer a friend

Job summary

Warner Hotels, Thoresby Hall, is seeking a Head Chef to lead a large kitchen operation in a branded hotel setting. You will manage up to 50 chefs, uphold food safety and brand standards, and drive exceptional dining experiences for guests.

You will balance operational excellence with people development, ensuring the team is organized, motivated and capable of delivering smooth service across multiple outlets. Proven leadership in high-volume kitchens is essential.

Qualifications

• Experienced Head Chef with a track record of leading high-volume kitchen operations.
• Experience in branded hotel environments with emphasis on consistency and brand standards.
• Passionate leader who develops people and builds engaged, high-performing teams.
• Leads by example and challenges when standards fall.
• Delivers exceptional food and service with a focus on quality and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a large team of chefs, creating a culture of support and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all kitchens meet food safety, health & safety and hygiene standards.
• Drive high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Plan and organise kitchen operations for efficient service across outlets.
• Manage stock, ordering and food costs with strong waste control.
• Forecast labour and food requirements based on occupancy.
• Collaborate with wider hotel teams to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
• Inspire teams to embrace Warner Hotels' standards and branded menu.
• Maintain proactive approach to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Food Safety

Budgeting

Forecasting

Stock Control

Operational Excellence

Job description

Join our team at Thoresby Hall, part of the Warner Hotels Group. This 221-bedroom hotel features original architecture, a Great Hall with deep armchairs, and overlooks acres of classic parkland.

Salary £40,000 - £48,000.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head Chef to join Warner Hotels.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a large-scale operation, leading a team of up to 50 chefs while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and service. You'll work closely with your kitchen leadership team to create a positive, high-performing culture where people thrive and guests enjoy consistently exceptional dining experiences.

As Head Chef, you'll balance operational excellence with people development, ensuring your team is well organised, motivated and equipped to deliver smooth, efficient service every day.

What you'll be doing

• Leading, coaching and developing a large team of chefs, creating a culture of support, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring all kitchens consistently meet company food safety, health and safety, and hygiene standards.
• Driving high standards of food quality, presentation and guest satisfaction.
• Planning and organising kitchen operations to deliver efficient, seamless service across multiple outlets.
• Managing stock, ordering and food costs, ensuring excellent control while minimising waste.
• Forecasting labour and food requirements in line with occupancy levels.
• Working collaboratively with wider hotel teams to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
• Inspiring your team to embrace Warner Hotels' standards and branded menu offer while continually looking for ways to improve performance.
• A proactive, adaptable approach with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What are we looking for?

• An experienced Head Chef with a successful track record of leading high-volume kitchen operations.
• Experience working within a branded hospitality or hotel environment, with an understanding of the importance of consistency and brand standards.
• A passionate leader who enjoys developing people and building engaged, high-performing teams.
• Someone who leads by example and isn't afraid to challenge when standards fall below expectations.
• A genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and service.

What you'll bring

• Strong leadership, coaching and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams at every level.
• Experience managing food ordering, stock control and forecasting against business demand.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercial awareness and sound financial knowledge, including budgeting, food cost management and waste reduction.

Why Work for Warner Hotels?

• Free use of gym and leisure facilities
• 60% discounted food onsite
• Pension scheme
• A fantastic opportunity for career development through externally recognised qualifications in addition to in-house training and development (Degrees and Apprenticeship level)
• 28 days annual leave per year (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• 20% discount at breaks at Warner, Butlins & Haven + additional discounts during your stays for you and your family
• Help @ Hand from Unum - including virtual GP, Physiotherapy support, Mental Health sessions
• Life Assurance
• Free Car Parking onsite
• Family Friendly policies
• Refer a friend scheme
• Aslan: Our Reward & recognition portal includes access to a financial wellbeing platform
• Access to a discounts platform including a points based discount plan to increase your retail discounts
• Access your wages on demand through Aslan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• L&G Care Concierge
• Glow Getters and Long Service Awards

Ready to discover your glow?

Be part of something more than a hotel — where your personality shines and your ideas matter.

At Warner Hotels, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility that you may require.

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments while applying, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: [e-mail]