HEAD CHEF
The Litton | Litton, Somerset
A kitchen to make your own.
We’re looking for an experienced, passionate and ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen at The Litton – our award-winning country pub in the heart of Somerset.
This is an opportunity for a talented chef who loves great ingredients, takes pride in their food and, just as importantly, knows how to build a happy, motivated and successful kitchen team.
We want someone who can put their own stamp on our food while staying true to what The Litton is all about: warm hospitality, quality ingredients, seasonal cooking and memorable experiences.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As Head Chef, you’ll have real ownership of the kitchen.
You’ll lead the team, develop seasonal menus, work with our suppliers and ensure every plate leaving the kitchen reflects the standards we’re known for.
We’re looking for someone who enjoys the creativity of cooking but also understands what makes a great kitchen work – organisation, consistency, sensible food costs, minimal waste and a team that enjoys coming to work.
You’ll work closely with our management team, with the freedom and support to develop the food offering and continue building The Litton’s reputation as a destination for fantastic food and hospitality.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Leading, inspiring and developing our kitchen team
- Creating exciting, seasonal menus using quality ingredients
- Maintaining consistently high standards of flavour, presentation and service
- Building strong relationships with suppliers and making the most of great local and seasonal produce
- Managing ordering, stock, food costs and kitchen margins
- Finding smart ways to minimise waste without compromising quality
- Recruiting, training and developing members of the kitchen team
- Creating a positive, organised and professional kitchen culture
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene, HACCP and health & safety standards
- Working alongside the management team to deliver an exceptional experience for every guest
- Keeping standards high – particularly when the kitchen is at its busiest
ABOUT YOU
You may already be an established Head Chef, or you could be an experienced Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step and make a kitchen your own.
More than anything, we’re looking for someone who:
- Is genuinely passionate about great food and seasonal cooking
- Leads from the front and brings out the best in their team
- Has strong kitchen and menu-development skills
- Understands food costs, stock control and the commercial side of running a successful kitchen
- Is organised, calm and confident during busy services
- Takes pride in consistency and attention to detail
- Understands food hygiene legislation and HACCP
- Wants to contribute ideas rather than simply follow a formula
- Cares about the guest experience as much as the food on the plate
THE PACKAGE
We believe that attracting a great Head Chef means offering a package that properly reflects the responsibility of the role.
- Salary from £45,000 per annum – negotiable depending on experience
- Tronc averaging approximately £6,500 per annum
- Potential total earnings from approximately £51,500 per annum
- 5-day working week
- 28 days’ holiday
- Pension scheme
- Staff meals while on duty
- Opportunities for career development
- A friendly and supportive working environment
- Genuine creative input into our menus and food direction
- The opportunity to lead, develop and make your mark on an established kitchen
Please note: this position does not include live-in accommodation.
WHY THE LITTON?
The Litton is a well-established, independent country pub with a reputation for quality food, genuine hospitality and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We want our Head Chef to feel a real sense of ownership. This isn’t a role where you’ll simply be asked to maintain what already exists. We want someone with ideas, energy and ambition who can develop the team, shape our menus and help us take the food at The Litton forward.
In return, you’ll have the support and freedom to make the kitchen your own while being part of a business that genuinely cares about its people and its guests.
SOUND LIKE YOUR KIND OF KITCHEN?
If you’re a chef who takes pride in what you cook, enjoys leading a team and would love the opportunity to put your stamp on an award-winning Somerset country pub, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: From £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a current Food Hygiene Certificate level 2 or above?
- Do you hold a current UK Driving License?
Experience:
- Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef: 5 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
