Executive Head Chef
Location: Aysgarth Falls Hotel, Yorkshire Dales
Job Type: Full-time | Permanent
Live-in or support to find Accommodation is Available
About Us
Nestled beside one of the Yorkshire Dales' most iconic natural landmarks, Aysgarth Falls Hotel is where history, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional hospitality come together. With roots stretching back to before the Crusades, our hotel is more than just a destination—it's part of the story of the Dales.
As we continue to invest in the future of the hotel, we are looking for an exceptional Executive Head Chef to lead our talented kitchen team and help elevate our food offering. Our ambition is to build upon our reputation and continue delivering outstanding dining experiences worthy of our beautiful setting.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate Executive Head Chef with a proven background in 2 AA Rosette establishments. You will have full responsibility for all kitchen operations, leading and inspiring your team while maintaining exceptional standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
Working closely with the senior management team, you will have the opportunity to shape menus, champion local Yorkshire produce, develop your brigade, and play a key role in the continued success of the hotel. This will be that start of creating a 4 day week so experience managing a 4 day week is required
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team.
- Oversee all aspects of food preparation, production, and presentation.
- Create innovative seasonal menus using high-quality local ingredients.
- Maintain consistently high food standards across all dining areas.
- Manage staffing, rotas, recruitment, and training.
- Control food costs, GP, stock levels, ordering, and wastage.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP, and health & safety legislation.
- Work collaboratively with the management team to continually improve the guest experience.
- Foster a positive kitchen culture built on professionalism, teamwork, and creativity.
About YouEssential
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Executive Head Chef.
- Experience working in a 2 AA Rosette (or equivalent) kitchen.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent culinary ability with a passion for fresh, seasonal food.
- Level 3 Food Safety Certificate.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Strong understanding of kitchen financials, including GP and cost control.
Desirable
- Hotel experience within a premium hospitality environment.
- Passion for mentoring and developing chefs.
- A creative approach to modern British cuisine.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, depending on experience.
- Quarterly bonus based on achieving agreed GP targets.
- 33 days holiday per year (including bank holidays).
- Live-in accommodation available for the right candidate.
- Staff discounts across the hotel.
- Opportunity to lead the kitchen at one of the Yorkshire Dales' most iconic hotels.
- A supportive management team with ambitious plans for the future.
- Excellent opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- This will be the start of creating a 4 day week so experience managing a 4 day week is required
If you're an inspirational chef looking for an exciting opportunity to lead a talented team and make your mark at one of Yorkshire's most iconic hotels, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
