Head Chef, Cumbria

We are hiring for a busy, three-level waterfront venue in Bowness-on-Windermere, serving fresh food and drinks to guests who are genuinely on holiday and enjoying themselves. The employer is proud to be a Cumbria Tourism Awards finalist and winner of the Best Beer Garden award.

As Head Chef, you will take real ownership of the kitchen, lead your team with confidence, and consistently deliver high-quality food throughout busy services. 

Key Responsibilities:Leading the kitchen team day-to-day, setting standards and driving performanceDelivering consistent, high-quality dishes across busy servicesManaging stock, ordering, and supplier relationshipsControlling GP margins and minimising wasteEnsuring food safety, hygiene, and compliance at all timesTraining and developing the kitchen team to maintain consistency and standardsWorking closely with the wider management team to ensure smooth service operationsRequirementsWe are looking for someone who is:Experienced as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step into their first Head Chef roleComfortable leading a team in a busy, high-volume environmentStrong on standards, consistency, and kitchen disciplineConfident managing stock, costs, and GP marginsKnowledgeable in food safety and hygiene (Level 2 minimum)Able to take ownership of day-to-day back-of-house operationsAvailable to work evenings, weekends, and peak trading periodsHands-on and willing to lead from the front during busy servicesIdeally, candidates will also have:A passion for delivering consistently high-quality food in a fast-paced environmentA technology-focused approach to kitchen management and stock systemsExperience managing, mentoring, and developing kitchen teamsStrong communication skills with both kitchen and front-of-house teamsStrong spoken and written English skillsConfidence being on camera, as they regularly celebrate their teams and showcase what they do on social mediaBenefits£40.000 per annum, 45h a weekMonthly staff tipsFree meals on shiftDiscounts across all Hargreaves Enterprises venuesBurnt Chef Project SupportersAnnual end-of-year staff party