At a Glance
- Tasks: Support multiple inns in the Lake District, driving kitchen standards and coaching teams.
- Company: Join the award-winning Inn Collection Group, known for exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid breaks, birthday holidays, and discounts on food and stays.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic kitchen environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are the Inn Collection Group, a multi‑award‑winning pub business with rooms across the North of England and Wales, committed to delivering exceptional hospitality.
About the role
This field‑based Operations Chef will operate across the Lake District, supporting multiple inns through the busiest trading period. The role involves driving standards, strengthening kitchen performance, and coaching teams for speed, quality and commercial success.
Benefits
- Celebrate your birthday with an extra paid holiday.
- Build your future with support from the Lead‑Inn development program.
- Paid Breaks to rest and recharge.
- 50% off food at any of our Inns.
- Stay at any Inland during January, February and March for just £1.
- One-third off room bookings all year round.
- £50 on same‑day bookings for spontaneous trips.
- 15% off bed & breakfast for loved ones.
- 24/7 confidential support via employee assistance programme.
- Participation in our Give‑inn back scheme.
- Recognition as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards.
Responsibilities
- Build strong, open and positive relationships with Head Chefs and Sous Chefs.
- Work the pass during peak periods to identify skill gaps and operational gaps affecting speed, quality and guest experience.
- Help sites maximise summer trading by improving pace, quality, consistency and kitchen readiness.
- Implement purchase trackers, monitor overspend and coach on purchasing discipline and stock management.
- Coach teams to reduce frozen stock holding, strengthen fresh food quality and consistency.
- Support recruitment: CV screening, interviews and practical advice to build stronger kitchen teams.
- Complete regular kitchen audits to ensure cleanliness, food safety and compliance; provide coaching for gaps.
- Plan weekly diary with Operations Manager and Director, covering five days per week across sites.
- Report to Operations Manager and director on progress, risks, actions and support required.
- Deliver commercial performance during summer trading without becoming shift cover.
- Demonstrate calm under pressure, solution‑focused coaching and commercial awareness.
Requirements
- Base within commutable distance of the Lake District with willingness to travel across the region.
- Experience working in a busy kitchen and an understanding of pass management and operational flow.
- Strong communication, motivation and coaching skills.
- Commercial awareness of purchasing, stock holding, waste and cash performance.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and coach without taking over.
- Aptitude for recruitment activities, including CV screening and interviews.
Equal Opportunity
We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, including BAME, disabled, non‑binary, LGBTQ+, over 55 and those from disadvantaged communities. All candidates are considered equally.
Operations Chef - Lake District employer: The-Inn-Collection-Group-3
The Inn Collection Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With benefits like extra paid holidays for birthdays, generous discounts on food and accommodation, and a supportive Lead-Inn development programme, we empower our Operations Chefs to thrive in the beautiful Lake District while delivering outstanding hospitality. Join us and be part of a team recognised as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards, where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Chef - Lake District
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who know the Inn Collection Group. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demo. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate how you can elevate kitchen performance and guest experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to the Inn Collection Group through our website. Express your interest in the Operations Chef role and highlight how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay calm and collected during interviews. Remember, they want to see how you handle pressure. Share examples of how you've coached teams and improved kitchen operations in past roles to showcase your expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Chef - Lake District
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When you're writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. We want to see how your experiences and enthusiasm align with our commitment to exceptional service.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Chef role. Highlight relevant experience in busy kitchens and any coaching or leadership roles you've had. We appreciate when you connect your skills directly to what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We value clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The-Inn-Collection-Group-3
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations and management. Be ready to discuss your experience with pass management and how you've improved kitchen performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your coaching led to improved speed, quality, or team morale, as this is crucial for the Operations Chef role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to talk about your understanding of purchasing, stock management, and waste reduction. Discuss any strategies you've implemented to improve cash performance and how you can apply these at the Inn Collection Group.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since strong relationships are key in this role, practice building rapport during the interview. Engage with your interviewers, ask questions about their experiences, and show genuine interest in their kitchen culture.
