Head Chef - Lead Creative Kitchen, Mentor & Grow

JW Lees; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Cash Plan

Annual profit share

Staff discount on food & drink

Hotel and pub stays discounts

Wellbeing support

Career development programs

Maternity/paternity/adoption policies

BenefitHub discounts

Job summary

JW Lees, a family-owned brewer with nearly 200 years of history, is seeking a Head Chef in Preston to lead our kitchen team and ensure top quality dishes. This role focuses on delivering superb meals, maintaining standards, and driving guest satisfaction.

You will oversee menu development, uphold rigorous kitchen standards, mentor your staff, and drive best-in-class service across our pubs, inns and hotels. Join a team with strong heritage and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in a busy kitchen environment.
• Passion for delivering high-quality meals from kitchen to table.
• Strong stock control and cost awareness.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior staff.
• Creative input for in-house specials and menus.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations to maintain top standards.
• Prepare and oversee high-quality dishes to specification.
• Maintain excellent stock control and waste reduction.
• Motivate and develop the kitchen team to perform at their best.
• Mentor staff and share skills and knowledge.
• Create in-house specials and seasonal menus.
• Ensure kitchen runs smoothly and delivers 5* service.

Skills

Leadership

Passion for cooking

Stock control

Team mentoring

Creativity in specials

Quality standards

Job description

JW Lees, a family-owned brewer with nearly 200 years of history, is seeking a Head Chef in Preston to lead our kitchen team and ensure top quality dishes. This role focuses on delivering superb meals, maintaining standards, and driving guest satisfaction.

You will oversee menu development, uphold rigorous kitchen standards, mentor your staff, and drive best-in-class service across our pubs, inns and hotels. Join a team with strong heritage and opportunities for growth.