Executive Chef – Llanerch Vineyard

Llanerch Vineyard is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead and develop our food operation across one of Wales' most successful hospitality destinations. Set within a working vineyard just outside Cardiff, Llanerch has built a reputation for delivering high-quality food alongside a thriving weddings, events and hospitality business. Our food operation generates approximately £2.5 million in annual turnover across multiple outlets.

We are now looking for a chef who can lead the kitchen team from the front, maintaining high standards while ensuring the operation remains commercially strong and consistent at scale. Our previous Executive Chef has been part of Llanerch's journey for over seven years and leaves with our full support to pursue their own business venture, leaving behind an established team and well-run operation ready for its next chapter.

The Operation

The Executive Chef will oversee all food operations across the Llanerch estate, including:

• Weddings & events – up to 200 covers
• Additional events space – up to 80 covers
• Private dining, meetings and seasonal experiences

This is a high-volume, quality-driven operation, combining restaurant dining with one of the most successful wedding and events venues in Wales.

Our Ambition

Llanerch is not seeking to become a Michelin-starred restaurant. Our focus is on delivering consistently excellent food at scale, combining high-quality dining with outstanding events and guest experiences. Our goal is to maintain and progress AA Rosette standards, with the ambition of achieving 2 AA Rosettes in the main restaurant, while continuing to deliver exceptional food for weddings, events and large-scale hospitality.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the entire Llanerch food operation. The Executive Chef will lead the team from the front and will be expected to work in the kitchen a minimum of three days per week, supporting key services and mentoring the brigade. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the kitchen team across all outlets
• Managing and mentoring three Head Chefs (restaurant, events and pastry)
• Driving menu development and culinary direction
• Maintaining and progressing AA Rosette standards
• Ensuring consistency and quality across high-volume services
• Managing food GP, supplier relationships and operational efficiency
• Controlling staffing costs and maintaining an effective team structure
• Maintaining a 5★ Food Hygiene rating (4★ minimum)
• Covering holidays and sickness where required

The Candidate

This role would suit:

• An Executive Chef looking for a fresh challenge, or
• A highly experienced Head Chef ready to step into a senior leadership position.

We are looking for a chef who understands how to balance quality and volume, and who is comfortable operating across both restaurant dining and large-scale events. You will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership within high-volume professional kitchens
• A track record of producing quality food at scale
• Strong organisational and financial awareness
• Passion for seasonal produce and modern British cuisine
• The ability to inspire, mentor and develop a large team
• Experience working in restaurants alongside weddings, events or hotel operations would be highly advantageous.

The Package

Performance bonus up to £10,000 per year, linked to key business metrics including GP targets, food hygiene standards and operational performance. Service charge share (approx. £4,000 per year, not guaranteed). Relocation support available for the right candidate. Significant influence over menus and the future direction of the kitchen. For chefs currently working in London or other major cities, Llanerch offers the opportunity to maintain high culinary standards while enjoying a better lifestyle in South Wales — where quality of life and property ownership are far more achievable.

Why Llanerch?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a £2.5 million food operation within a thriving hospitality business that combines restaurant dining, events and destination hospitality. You will join an established team and a supportive ownership group committed to long-term growth and maintaining Llanerch's reputation for quality. Apply with CV and examples of previous menus or work.