Head Chef - County Durham

The Inn Collection Group; Eggleston; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra paid holiday

Lead-Inn development program

Paid Breaks

50% off food

Job summary

The Inn Collection Group is seeking a Head Chef for The Seaton Lane Inn, blending creative culinary leadership with strong kitchen management. You will guide a skilled team, ensure top‑quality dishes, and meet financial targets in a busy inn setting.

Join a passionate team that rewards excellence, supports development, and values guest experience. This role emphasizes leadership, menu creativity, and operational excellence in a vibrant, guest‑facing venue.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a busy kitchen team in a pub, inn, or hotel.
• Strong understanding of food cost control, budgeting, and wastage management.
• Proven ability to deliver high‑quality dishes with consistency.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and staffing.
• Order management and supplier liaison to meet budget targets.
• Ensure consistency, presentation, and quality across menus.
• Lead by example in a fast-paced, guest‑facing environment.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food cost control

Staff training

Quality control

Job description

When guests walk through the doors of our Inn, the experience truly begins in the kitchen. As Head Chef, you set the standard, bringing your creativity, skill, and dedication to every dish that leaves your team's hands. From ensuring every meal is professionally prepared to perfection, your passion for culinary excellence makes our Inns not only a delight to dine at but also an inspiring place to work.

Being a Head Chef is challenging and requires hard work, but your leadership is key to creating exceptional dining experiences. With a focus on quality, freshness, and presentation, you lead a talented kitchen team to consistently deliver exceptional food that keeps guests coming back.

In addition to leading the team, you'll take full responsibility for the kitchen's daily operations, ensuring smooth running, managing orders with nominated suppliers, and meeting financial targets. Your ability to stay calm under pressure and efficiently achieve budgeted costs for food, wastage, and wages ensures everything runs to perfection.

If you're dedicated, passionate and love working in a fast-paced environment, we think you'll fit right inn...

ICG supported Tristan's development, enabling him to grow from Chef de Partie into the role of Head Chef. Watch Tristan's Video to learn more about the role of a Head Chef https://careers.inncollectiongroup.com/join-inn

We welcome applications from Skilled Worker visa holders and can transfer Certificates of Sponsorship.

What makes the perfect pub? It's great ales, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the warm welcome from a team that's at the heart of everything we do.

How we say thank you!

• Celebrate your birthday with an extra paid holiday.
• Build your future with support from our Lead-Inn development program.
• Take the time you need to rest and recharge; Paid Breaks are on us.
• Enjoy 50% off food at any of our Inns
• Relax with a stay at any of our Inns during January, February, and March for just 1.
• Take advantage of the chance to explore our beautiful locations, with 1/3 off room bookings all year round.
• Experience a spontaneous trip away with 50 on same day bookings
• It's not just for you-your loved ones can enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast too!
• 24/7 confidential support is always there when you need it with our Employee Assistance Programme
• Tronc (...that's tips to me and you)
• Contribute to a company that gives back through our Give-inn back scheme
• Join an award-winning team recognised as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards.

The Seaton Lane Inn, full of style and quirky charm, is perfectly situated in a spot that attracts both locals and visitors alike. With its inviting atmosphere and comfortable boutique-style accommodation, it's a great spot to relax, enjoy a drink, and take in the surrounding community and vibrant energy.