Full-time | Permanent
About Us
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join the George & Dragon, a highly regarded destination pub restaurant located in the beautiful village of Seaton, in the heart of the Rutland countryside.
Since opening in 2017, the George & Dragon has built a reputation for exceptional food, fine wines, quality ales and genuine hospitality. In recognition of our commitment to excellence, we were awarded 2 AA Rosettes in 2024.
We are now seeking a talented Head Chef to lead our kitchen, drive creativity, maintain our high standards, and help shape the future of our food offering.
The Role
Working closely with the Managing Director, you will take overall responsibility for the kitchen operation, menu development, food quality, team leadership and financial performance.
This role would suit a chef who is passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients, enjoys leading a team, and takes pride in delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operation.
- Develop and deliver high-quality seasonal menus in collaboration with the Managing Director.
- Maintain and enhance the standards expected of a 2 AA Rosette establishment.
- Manage food purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships.
- Monitor food costs and kitchen expenditure to maximise profitability while maintaining quality.
- Recruit, train, motivate and develop kitchen team members.
- Produce staff rotas and manage labour costs effectively.
- Ensure all food is prepared and presented to the highest standard.
- Maintain full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and all relevant legislation.
- Manage food inventory, ordering and stock levels.
- Identify opportunities to increase food sales and enhance the guest experience.
- Ensure the kitchen remains organised, clean and professionally operated at all times.
About You
The successful candidate will:
- Have previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a quality fresh-food operation.
- Be passionate about food and hospitality.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills.
- Be highly organised, motivated and commercially aware.
- Have excellent knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance.
- Be capable of managing a busy service while maintaining exceptional standards.
- Have a genuine desire to develop and inspire a kitchen team.
Requirements
- Right to work in the United Kingdom.
- Due to our rural location, applicants must be able to reliably travel to and from Seaton for scheduled shifts.
- Food Safety qualifications are desirable.
- Experience working within a Rosette-standard or similar quality environment is advantageous.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £40,000 - £44,000 depending on experience.
- Opportunity to lead an established and respected 2 AA Rosette kitchen.
- Creative input into menu design and development.
- Supportive ownership team.
- Staff meals while on duty.
- Paid holiday entitlement.
- Opportunity for career development and progression.
- The chance to make a genuine impact within a growing business.
Equality & Diversity
The George & Dragon is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
If you are an ambitious and talented chef looking for your next challenge in a beautiful countryside setting, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Experience:
- head Chef: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
