At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence and support Head Chefs across multiple venues.
- Company: Kernow Hospitality Group, a vibrant and supportive hospitality team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, staff discounts, and team incentives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food standards and kitchen culture in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a fresh-food kitchen.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and strong support while driving culinary standards across the group.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 42000 £ per year.
Kernow Hospitality Group is looking for a strong, hands-on Executive Chef to lead from one home kitchen, while supporting and developing the Head Chefs and kitchen teams across our other pubs (Swan Hotel, Ship Inn and Lanivet Inn). This is a key leadership role focused on food standards, consistency, compliance, profitability and people performance across the group.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Group culinary leadership
- Drive consistent food quality, presentation, safety and profitability across all venues
- Coach and support Head Chefs to hit targets including GP, wage %, waste, checklist compliance and EHO standards
- Carry out kitchen audits/site visits and lead improvement plans with clear actions and timelines
- Menu development & launches
- Coordinate group menu changes (set changes planned April & October)
- Ensure recipes, allergen info, and plating specs are updated before launch
- Cost, test and sign-off specials and LTOs, supporting marketing with early info and imagery
- Food safety, compliance & standards
- Maintain top standards across Food Safety, H&S, allergen management and EHO readiness
- Lead oversight of Trail checklist compliance and verification across sites
- Ensure hygiene audits are completed and actions followed through
- Stock, GP & labour control
- Review GP/wage/cost reports weekly and fix issues fast
- Tighten ordering, stock discipline, waste/yield/variance reporting
- Support Head Chefs with rotas and labour planning in line with forecast trade
People leadership (must-have):
- You'll be confident dealing with team members and improving performance properly:
- Set clear expectations and follow up consistently
- Use company HR templates (1:1s, performance reviews, improvement plans, meeting notes) to coach, support and—when needed—manage underperformance fairly and professionally
- Build a strong kitchen culture: standards, accountability, training and progression
Computer skills (must-have):
- You'll be comfortable using a computer for:
- Reports, ordering/stock systems, menu costings/spec updates and compliance records
- Documenting performance conversations and actions using our templates
About you:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef / Executive Chef in a fresh-food kitchen
- Commercially strong (GP, stock, waste, labour) and obsessed with standards
- Confident leader who can coach, motivate, and challenge when needed
- Organised, calm, consistent, and able to support multiple teams across the group
- Driving licence preferred due to multi-site support
What we offer:
- Competitive salary + performance/bonus potential
- Strong owner support and real autonomy to drive standards across the group
- Staff discounts across all sites, team incentives which you will help to bring in and implement for kitchen teams to help drive performance of the kitchens.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £39,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Executive Chef employer: Lanivet Inn
Contact Detail:
Lanivet Inn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out for a chat over coffee. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes, menu designs, and any awards or recognitions you've received. This is your chance to visually impress potential employers and demonstrate your culinary flair.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its venues. Understand their menu, values, and what they’re looking for in an Executive Chef. Tailor your answers to show how you can elevate their culinary standards and lead their teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that dream role together!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create amazing dishes. We want to see that you're not just about the numbers but also about the art of cooking.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've driven food quality and profitability in previous roles. We love seeing how you've made an impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your achievements and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Kernow Hospitality Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lanivet Inn
✨Know Your Culinary Standards
Before the interview, brush up on the latest food safety regulations and culinary standards. Be ready to discuss how you’ve maintained these in your previous roles, as this will show your commitment to quality and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led kitchen teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you coached Head Chefs or improved team performance, as this will demonstrate your ability to build a strong kitchen culture.
✨Be Ready for Menu Development Discussions
Familiarise yourself with current food trends and be prepared to discuss your approach to menu development. Bring ideas for seasonal changes or specials that could work well for Kernow Hospitality Group, showing your proactive thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
Understand the key financial metrics like GP, stock control, and waste management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed these in your previous roles, as this will highlight your commercial strength and obsession with profitability.