Lead Chef – Seasonal Pub Menus & 5-Star Standards

Langdale Leisure Ltd.; Ambleside; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary Langdale hotel stay

Staff fitness facilities

Staff meals

Refer a Friend bonus up to £300

Employee Assistance Program

Staff discounts

Enhanced sick pay & life cover after 6

Job summary

Langdale Leisure Ltd. seeks a proactive Head Chef for Wainwrights Inn in Ambleside. You will lead the culinary operation, drive high-volume seasonal menus, and ensure 5-star standards across food safety, quality and guest experience.

You will manage a kitchen team, recruit and train staff, oversee P&L, optimise labour and spend, and work closely with Front of House to deliver exceptional dining experiences. This on-site role offers live-in potential for exceptional candidates.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver seasonal pub menu with focus on quality and volume.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety Management System.
• Collaborate with Front of House to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Lead and train kitchen team on Food Safety Management System requirements.
• Keep training materials and policies up to date.
• Ensure team follows menu specification sheets.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding with People Team.
• Conduct regular team briefings and reviews.
• Coach the team on kitchen standards and professional development.
• Manage departmental P&L including revenue, cost control and profitability.
• Plan rosters to control labour costs within budget.
• Identify opportunities to increase average spend and upsell.
• Manage inventory and supplier relationships.
• Use procurement systems to control food costs and wastage.
• Ensure procurement policies, stock rotation and waste reduction.
• Support F&B management in cost targets and stock integrity.
• Ensure operations comply with health and safety, licensing and hygiene regulations.
• Conduct audits to maintain 5-star standards.
• Create and maintain recipes and specification sheets.
• Support sustainability initiatives including local sourcing.

Job description

Langdale Leisure Ltd. seeks a proactive Head Chef for Wainwrights Inn in Ambleside. You will lead the culinary operation, drive high-volume seasonal menus, and ensure 5-star standards across food safety, quality and guest experience.

You will manage a kitchen team, recruit and train staff, oversee P&L, optimise labour and spend, and work closely with Front of House to deliver exceptional dining experiences. This on-site role offers live-in potential for exceptional candidates.