Head Chef
The Mallard Hotel & Little Duckling Restaurant, Gullane
The Mallard Hotel & Little Duckling Restaurant are looking for an ambitious, organised and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in the heart of Gullane.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strong kitchen leader — or an experienced Sous Chef ready for their next step — to take ownership of a quality-focused East Lothian hotel and restaurant operation, delivering exceptional food, consistency and customer experience across both venues.
With 18 bedrooms, we serve a high-quality à la carte breakfast to our residents each morning. Our Bar & Lounge then offers coffee, tea and home baking throughout the day alongside an all-day dining menu focused on fresh, seasonal and approachable food.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, leads from the front and takes genuine pride in developing a motivated kitchen team whilst maintaining high operational standards.
The Ideal Candidate
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Experience managing busy kitchen operations
- Excellent knowledge of food safety and allergen controls
- Strong understanding of GP%, labour control and stock management
- Passion for delivering high-quality, consistent food
- Calm under pressure with excellent service standards
- Ability to train, motivate and develop a kitchen team
- Experience with menu development and costing
The Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen operation including:
- Managing rotas and labour controls
- Delivering strong gross profit performance
- Maintaining excellent food consistency and presentation
- Menu planning and seasonal specials
- Ordering and supplier management
- Food safety compliance and record keeping
- Stocktaking and cost control
- Leading and developing the kitchen team
- Ensuring smooth and efficient service standards
You will work closely with senior management and the Executive Chef to continue developing the food offering across both the hotel and restaurant.
What We Offer
- £40,000 – £48,000 OTE
- Tronc payments
- Performance-related bonus opportunities
- Creative input into menus and specials
- Supportive senior management structure
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discounts
- Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious business
Location
Based in the beautiful coastal village of Gullane, East Lothian, The Mallard Hotel & Little Duckling Restaurant are well known for quality food, warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
If you are a motivated Head Chef — or an ambitious Sous Chef looking for the next step — and want to be part of an ambitious and growing operation, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £40,000.00-£48,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
