Head Chef
The Skipton Hotel, Keighley Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 2TA
Full-time | Permanent | Salary dependent on experience
The Skipton Hotel is looking for an experienced, creative and commercially minded Head Chef to lead our kitchen team.
Set beside the Leeds Liverpool Canal with views towards the Yorkshire Dales, our hotel serves guests across breakfast, all-day and evening dining, Sunday carvery, weddings, conferences and private events. Our Canalside Restaurant showcases locally sourced food in a relaxed waterfront setting. skiptonhotel.co.uk
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented kitchen leader who can deliver consistently excellent food, develop a strong team and take ownership of the kitchen's performance.
The role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen and the quality of every dish leaving it. You will work closely with the hotel's management and food and beverage teams to create memorable dining experiences while maintaining effective commercial and operational controls.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing the kitchen brigade, creating a positive, professional and supportive working environment.
- Creating seasonal menus that reflect our location, appeal to hotel guests and local diners, and make effective use of quality local produce.
- Overseeing all food operations, including breakfast, restaurant service, lounge dining, Sunday carvery, weddings, conferences and private functions.
- Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
- Managing food costs, stock control, purchasing, supplier relationships, waste and kitchen labour.
- Recruiting, training and motivating chefs and kitchen porters, including managing rotas and performance.
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, allergen, hygiene and health and safety requirements.
- Working collaboratively with other hotel departments to plan functions, promotions and special events.
- Driving continuous improvement in guest satisfaction, efficiency and profitability.
About you
We are looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Executive Chef in a busy hotel, restaurant or events-led operation.
- Strong experience of banqueting, functions and high-volume service.
- A genuine passion for fresh, seasonal and locally sourced food.
- Excellent leadership, communication and team-development skills.
- Sound commercial knowledge, including menu costing, purchasing, stock management and wage control.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- A thorough understanding of food hygiene, allergens and kitchen health and safety.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required.
What we can offer you
- Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- £30 per night - staff stays at our partner hotels, all situated in stunning locations with magnificent scenery.
- £55 per night – discounted stays for friends and family at our partner hotels.
- 40% discount on our spa’s within our portfolio –includes spa visits and entry. 15% discount for spa visits and entry for friends and family.
- 50% discount on food and drinks agreed upon visit.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free gym membership
- Generous Tip Scheme
If you’re a passionate chef looking for variety, the opportunity to lead and inspire a team, and the freedom to make a real impact within a thriving hotel, this could be the perfect next step in your career
Pay: Up to £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
