Head Chef

Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Special rates on Leonardo Hotel rooms 

Company-wide recognition scheme

Talent referral scheme

Thank You Week

Wellbeing Calendar

Training programmes with clear paths 

Job summary

Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough is seeking a Head Chef to direct the Kitchen department, craft menus, and lead day-to-day operations to deliver memorable guest experiences in line with our brand standards. You’ll think creatively, manage costs and revenues, and inspire a vibrant team to exceed expectations. The role offers development through our Senior Chef Programme, supportive training, and opportunities across the Leonardo Hotels estate.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead a kitchen team and manage staff across shifts.
• Strong cost management and menu planning skills.
• Excellent communication and guest service focus.
• Experience in hotel or large-scale kitchen operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Keep the department calm, composed and organised.
• Be a role model to support progression within your team.
• Contribute to strategic running of the hotel and kitchen.
• Drive revenue while controlling costs and maximising profit.
• Lead the kitchen with creativity, inspiring high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu design

Cost control

Team development

Strategic planning

Revenue growth

Job description

Be Yourself – Be a Bold Team Player – Be LeonardoOnce 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!INDLHSome of the perks our Head Chef could enjoy include:Special rates on Leonardo Hotel rooms across the UK & EuropeCompany-wide recognition scheme: you could earn vouchers to spend on a wide range of high street shopsTalent referral schemeThank You Week: from ice cream trucks to yoga classes and lots in between!Wellbeing CalendarOngoing job-related training programmes with clear paths for progressionWe’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!