At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food strategy, develop menus, and inspire kitchen teams across multiple sites.
- Company: Join the ambitious Little & Large Pub Company, known for its premium food-led pubs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, pension, and opportunities for creativity.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food in a growing company and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Executive Chef or multi-site Head Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Little & Large Pub Company is looking for an experienced, commercially minded and inspiring Executive Chef to lead the food direction across our growing collection of premium food led pubs and country inns. This is a senior leadership role for an ambitious chef who combines creativity and a genuine passion for hospitality with strong operational discipline. You will work closely with our senior management team and site Head Chefs to develop outstanding menus, improve consistency, strengthen kitchen standards and deliver sustainable commercial results.
As Executive Chef, you will take responsibility for the overall food strategy across the group. You will support and challenge our Head Chefs, ensuring each kitchen delivers excellent food, strong gross profit, effective labour control and consistently high standards of food safety and cleanliness. You will be involved in menu development, recipe creation, kitchen recruitment, training, supplier management and the launch of new concepts and sites. This is a hands-on position. You must be comfortable working in kitchens alongside the teams, supporting services, leading menu launches and addressing operational challenges directly, as well as covering site chefs' absence.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the group’s overall food strategy.
- Create seasonal, commercially successful menus that reflect the identity of each pub.
- Lead menu development, tastings, cook-offs and new dish launches.
- Ensure all recipes, specifications, allergens and costings are accurate and fully documented.
- Support Head Chefs in achieving food gross profit, labour and stock-control targets.
- Monitor food quality, presentation, portion control and consistency across all sites.
- Recruit, train, mentor and develop Head Chefs and senior kitchen teams.
- Conduct regular kitchen visits, audits and performance reviews.
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and allergen compliance.
- Improve purchasing, supplier relationships and product quality while controlling costs.
- Reduce food waste and strengthen stocktaking and ordering processes.
- Support new openings, kitchen refurbishments and the development of new food concepts.
- Work closely with operations, marketing and finance teams on events, promotions and business planning.
- Lead by example and create a positive, professional and accountable kitchen culture.
About You
You will be an established Executive Chef, Group Chef or experienced multi-site Head Chef with a strong background in quality pubs, restaurants, hotels or hospitality groups. You will have:
- Proven experience overseeing several kitchens or food-led venues.
- A strong understanding of food gross profit, labour management and kitchen financial performance.
- Excellent menu-development and recipe-costing skills.
- Experience recruiting, training and developing senior chefs.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance.
- The ability to balance creativity with commercial awareness.
- A practical, hands-on and solutions-focused approach.
- Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.
- The confidence to challenge standards while supporting and motivating teams.
- A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel between sites.
What We Offer
- A senior role within an ambitious and growing independent pub company.
- The opportunity to shape the future food direction of the business.
- A competitive salary and performance-related bonus.
- Company pension and team benefits.
- Supportive senior leadership and genuine influence over business decisions.
- Opportunities to develop new menus, concepts and future openings.
- A diverse collection of pubs, country inns, restaurants and event spaces.
At Little & Large Pub Company, we believe that it’s the little things that make the large difference. We are looking for an Executive Chef who shares that belief and can inspire our kitchen teams to deliver exceptional food, every service, every day. We look forward to hearing from you.
Executive Chef in Hatfield employer: Head Office
Little & Large Pub Company is an excellent employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and passion for fresh, seasonal British food are celebrated. With competitive salaries, performance-related incentives, and ample opportunities for professional growth, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a new kitchen team and menu in the beautiful setting of Surrey. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in Hatfield
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Head Office. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Head Office
Don't be shy about reaching out to Head Office directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Head Office and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Head Office
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
