Head Chef

Job Summary The George Hotel in Penrith is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operation and shape the future food offer of this landmark property. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for quality, team development, cost control and commercial performance across restaurant, bar and events trade.

You will work closely with the Hotel Manager and Everbright Hotels Group to deliver consistent standards, develop menus and drive profitability while building a strong kitchen culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, setting standards and developing talent.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations across restaurant, bar and events.
• Develop menus aligned with the hotel’s brand, seasonal produce and commercial targets.
• Manage food GP, labour costs and departmental budgets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company policies.
• Control stock, ordering, supplier relationships and waste management.
• Work with senior management on events, promotions and revenue initiatives.
• Maintain a positive, professional and high-performing kitchen environment. Requirements
• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a hotel or high-volume kitchen.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing food margins and labour.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Experience in menu development and kitchen operations.
• Excellent organisation and ability to perform under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and collaborative working style This is a senior leadership role with real responsibility for standards, team development and commercial performance. We are looking for a hands-on Head Chef who can lead from the front, drive consistency and contribute to the ongoing development of the hotel’s food offer.
• Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
• Pay: £39,500.00-£42,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking Ability to commute/relocate:
• Penrith CA11: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred) Application question(s):
• Have you managed food gross profit (GP,) labour budgets and departamental costs in a senior kitchen role ? Experience:
• Head Chef/Senior Sous: 3 years (required) Work authorisation:
• United Kingdom (required) Work Location: In person