About This Role
Leading the kitchen and delivering exceptional food is the core of this Head Chef role at The Little John, a busy pub with rooms in Hathersage. This opportunity is for an ambitious, talented, and commercially minded chef ready to take ownership of the kitchen, inspire a team, and play a key role in the continued success of the business.
Responsibilities
- Build, motivate and develop a kitchen team that takes pride in its work and delivers consistently
- Work closely with the Executive Chef to develop, refine and implement seasonal menus that balance quality, creativity, guest expectations and commercial performance
- Take ownership of food quality, presentation, consistency and kitchen organisation
- Manage food GP, purchasing, stock control, waste and kitchen labour to deliver a successful, profitable operation
- Recruit, train and mentor chefs, creating an environment where talented people can develop and progress
- Lead from the front during busy services while ensuring food safety, hygiene and compliance standards are consistently maintained
- Work closely with the General Manager and Executive Chef to drive kitchen performance and contribute to the overall success of The Little John
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a quality, high-volume pub, restaurant or similar hospitality environment
- A genuine passion for fresh ingredients, seasonal cooking and exceptional British pub food
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build a positive, accountable kitchen culture
- A sound understanding of food GP, menu costing, stock management and labour control
- The creativity and collaborative approach to work alongside the Executive Chef in developing and delivering outstanding menus
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to maintain standards throughout busy services
- A hands-on approach, a strong work ethic and pride in everything that leaves the kitchen
- Management experience: 4 years (preferred)
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (required)
- Reliably commute or plan to relocate to Hathersage S32 1DD before starting work (required)
Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Opportunity to collaborate with an experienced Executive Chef on menu development, food standards and continuous improvement
- Career development and progression within Northern Collective
- 28 days' holiday, including bank holidays
- Free meals on shift
- Northern Collective Team Rewards Card, including:
- 25% discount across all venues
- Early booking access for group events
- Wholesale pricing on wines, beers and spirits
- Opportunity to lead your own team, influence kitchen culture and play a meaningful role in the future of the business
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Store discount
About the Company
At The Little John, a busy, characterful pub with rooms, the company is committed to delivering outstanding food, genuine hospitality, and memorable guest experiences as part of Northern Collective. It serves locals and visitors to the Peak District.