At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple kitchens, ensuring high standards and happy customers across Leeds and York.
- Company: Join Loungers, the Casual Dining Group of the Year 2026!
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, overtime pay, and 50% discount on food and drinks.
- Other info: Enjoy the most talked-about staff party in hospitality - Loungefest!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing hospitality brand with genuine career development.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Sous Chef required.
The predicted salary is between 26437 - 31200 £ per year.
We're hiring a full-time Head Chef Designate to support multiple Lounges in the Leeds and York regions. With competitive salary, plus bonus, paid overtime and real progression opportunities, this is a great next step for an experienced hospitality head chef, kitchen manager, or senior sous chef.
Please note: This is a regional support role covering multiple Lounges across the Leeds and York areas. As you'll be travelling regularly between sites, a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential for this position.
About the Head Chef Designate Role:
Lounges are pretty special places, and what makes them so special is the brilliant people who run them. As Head Chef Designate you'll support and lead multiple kitchens across the Leeds and York regions. We're looking for a hands-on Head Chef who loves real cooking, building teams, and running kitchens like they're their own. You'll create kitchens where high standards come naturally, because everyone genuinely cares about making sure every customer leaves happy.
What's in it For You?
- Competitive base salary, bonus, overtime
- Permanent full-time role; 48-hour contract (40-hour contract option available)
- Overtime pay for every hour worked
- Achievable bonus scheme, paid twice a year
- Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
- Free meal on every shift no matter the length
- Christmas and Boxing Day off
- Genuine career development with our in-house training courses and 'Future Ops' development programmes
- 50% discount on food and drinks from day one
- The most talked-about staff party in hospitality - Loungefest!
- Long service awards - Vouchers/Extra money
- Early access to your pay with Stream
- Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity
What You'll Do:
- Take ownership of multiple kitchens across your region - leading a variety of shifts, making sure the right people are in the right place and food standards never slip
- Recruit, develop and coach kitchen teams at all levels - from KPs and Chefs through to Sous Chefs and Head Chefs
- Know our menu specs and kitchen processes inside out, spotting issues and opportunities before they happen
- Work closely with General Managers and Operations Chefs to deliver site action plans covering food wait times, NSF standards, ordering, stock counts and cleaning
- Deliver on kitchen KPIs - food quality, wait times, wastage, food safety and GP
- Support effective rota planning in line with sales and bookings forecasts
- Work closely with front of house teams to build a genuine one-team culture
What You'll Bring:
- A natural people leader - you build loyal, motivated kitchen teams by understanding what makes people tick
- A cook who genuinely cares - you love working with fresh, high-quality ingredients
- A kitchen leader - you lead from the line, the pass; anywhere your team need you
- Commercially minded - you're confident with GP, labour, stock, wastage and food safety KPIs
- Experienced and adaptable - you'll have experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or Senior Sous Chef ready for your next step
Ready to Apply?
We want to work with kind people so if you want to work hard, have fun and be part of the Loungers ride, we'd love to have you. Click the link to apply and we look forward to chatting with you!
Head Chef Designate - Leeds employer: Lounge Café Bars
Antico Lounge, part of the award-winning Loungers group, offers an exceptional work environment for passionate chefs looking to thrive in the hospitality industry. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a strong focus on career progression through in-house training, you'll find ample opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career. Join a team that values high standards, creativity, and camaraderie, all while enjoying benefits like shared tips, free meals, and a 50% discount across all brands from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Designate - Leeds
✨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 Lounge Café Bars. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lounge Café Bars
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lounge Café Bars 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 Head Chef Designate - Leeds
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 Lounge Café Bars 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 Lounge Café Bars
✨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!
