Head Chef - Wainwrights Inn Operations; Kitchens · Langdale Hotel and Spa

Job Title: Head Chef - Wainwrights Inn

Salary:£38,000 - £40,000, Dependent on Experience

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: 39 hours per week

Live-in accommodation may be available for exceptional candidates.

This role is based on-site at Langdale Hotel and Spa, Ambleside, LA22 9JD
.

To lead the culinary operation of the standalone country pub, with full accountability for food quality, compliance, and financial performance.

• Design and deliver seasonal pub menu, with a focus on both quality and volume.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety Management System.
• Collaborate with Front of House team to ensure seamless guest experiences.

• Lead and train the kitchen team on Food Safety Management System requirements, ensuring completion of all mandatory compliance training.
• Ensure training materials, kitchen documents and policies are displayed and up to date.
• Ensure the team are trained on and follow menu specification sheets.

• Lead recruitment and onboarding in collaboration with People Team.
• Conduct regular team briefings and reviews.
• Coach the team on kitchen standards and professional development.

• Responsible for departmental P&L, including revenue generation, cost control and profitability.
• Manage labour costs through rota planning in line with budget.
• Identify opportunities to increase average spend, upsell performance, and outlet efficiency.

• Manage physical inventory and supplier relationships.
• Use industry standard procurement systems to ensure accuracy and accountability for food costs and wastage.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, stock rotation, and waste reduction strategies.
• Support the Food and Beverage Management Team in maintaining cost targets and stock integrity.

• Ensure F&B operations comply with health & safety, licensing, and food hygiene regulations.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to maintain 5-star standards.
• Create, implement and maintain recipes and specification sheets.
• Support sustainability initiatives including local sourcing.

• Gross Profit (GP) Margin
• Staff Retention Rate
• Customer Satisfaction
• Food Quality & Consistency
• Kitchen Hygiene & Safety

• Operational Excellence:
  Delivers high quality, high-volume seasonal menus while ensuring full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• People Leadership:
  Trains, coaches, and retains a high-performing kitchen team, maintaining clear standards and up-to-date training materials.
• Cross-Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Works closely with Front of House and F&B leadership to create seamless guest experiences and uphold 5-star operational standards.
• Financial & Commercial Acumen:
  Manages P&L, controls labour and food costs, and identifies opportunities to boost revenue, efficiency, and GP margin.
• Inventory & Procurement Control:
  Oversees stock management, supplier relationships, procurement systems, and waste-reduction strategies to maintain cost integrity.
• Quality, Consistency & Sustainability:
  Maintains recipe/specification accuracy, drives food quality and consistency, supports sustainability initiatives, and meets key KPIs.

• Be our guest with a yearly complimentary stay in our Langdale hotel, B&B rate for one night.
• Get fit for free with complimentary access to our Fitness and Leisure Facilities.
• Get fed for free with meals available in our staff canteen.
• Get recognised with a chance to win cash prizes through Guest Nominations and for colleagues voting you a Langdale Superstar.
• Get a bonus of up to £300.00 with out Refer a Friend scheme.
• Get support with access to our confidential and…