Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and ensure top-notch food quality and service.
- Company: Join the award-winning Stanley House Hotel & Spa in beautiful Ribble Valley.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary transformation with a new 4-day working week.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a dynamic hospitality environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Executive Head Chef role at Stanley House Hotel & Spa – Mellor, Lancashire. Stanley House Hotel & Spa is an award‑winning boutique hotel set in 54 acres of stunning Ribble Valley countryside. With 30 exceptional bedrooms, high‑end dining, weddings, events, and a world‑class spa, it’s a unique environment to lead a top‑tier culinary operation.
Join Us at an Exciting Time
We’re investing in our culinary offer, with a kitchen refurbishment planned for the new year, and we’ve introduced a new 4‑day working week (40 hours per week) for the kitchen brigade, to support balance and attract top talent.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced Executive Head Chef to oversee the entire kitchen operation, reporting directly to the General Manager. This senior role requires a strong background in hotel or high‑volume banqueting kitchens, excellent leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex culinary operations. While the kitchen team will benefit from a new 4‑day working week, this role will remain full‑time, providing the leadership, vision, and oversight needed to deliver an exceptional food offering across all outlets.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and inspire a multifaceted kitchen brigade, ensuring excellence in food quality, presentation, and service.
- Overall responsibility for kitchen operations, including ordering, stock control, GP management, and compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene standards.
- Manage payroll, rota planning, and training for the entire kitchen team.
- Oversee high‑volume conferences, banquets, and events, ensuring smooth execution and guest satisfaction.
- Collaborate with the General Manager, Group F&B Development Manager, and other departments to maintain operational efficiency and drive menu innovation.
- Monitor KPIs, menu profitability, and brand standards to ensure continuous improvement.
- Act as the key representative for the kitchen during audits, including Environmental Health and branded quality inspections.
What You’ll Get
- Competitive salary + Bonus Scheme
- Discounts on stays and Food & Beverage across leaf HOSPITALITY portfolio of hotels
- Learning & professional development opportunities
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced annual and family leave
- £500 service bonus for every 5 years service
- Team Member of the Month/Year awards
- Uniform provided
- Additional pension contributions
Seniority Level: Director
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Hospitality
Executive Head Chef employer: Stanley House Hotel & Spa
Contact Detail:
Stanley House Hotel & Spa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality industry and let them know you're on the lookout for an Executive Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! If you get the chance, bring samples of your signature dishes to interviews or networking events. This not only showcases your skills but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the venue! Before any interview, dive deep into Stanley House Hotel & Spa's culinary offerings and recent developments. This will help you tailor your conversation and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading their kitchen team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Stanley House Hotel & Spa and ready to take on the exciting challenges ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see your personality and passion for creating exceptional dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Executive Head Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience in high-volume kitchens and leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a team, so showcase your achievements in managing culinary operations.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Stanley House Hotel & Spa!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanley House Hotel & Spa
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with Stanley House Hotel & Spa's vision. Be ready to discuss your approach to menu innovation and how you can elevate their dining experience.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in managing high-volume operations and how you inspire your team to maintain excellence in food quality and service.
✨Understand Operational Efficiency
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to kitchen operations. Be prepared to discuss how you would monitor and improve these metrics to ensure profitability and compliance with health and safety standards.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, ask insightful questions about the hotel's culinary direction and upcoming projects, like the kitchen refurbishment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.