Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

Head Chef –

The Cottage Hotel, Ruddington

Location: Easthorpe Street, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6LA
Position: Head Chef (Flexible between 30-45 hours)
Salary: up to £16.50 per hour

Cottage Hotel

is a small, independent venue set in converted 17th-century cottages, renowned for its bespoke weddings and high-quality events. We are seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen, maintaining our reputation for fresh, "proper" food while elevating our offering.

The Role

You will be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. This is a hands on role. We are looking for someone who is happy with a varied working pattern including breakfast and weekend shifts. You will be responsible for ordering, managing the rota and ensuring the kitchen environment is professional, clean, and efficient. A small business has specific challenges and this is a real opportunity to put your stamp on the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Innovation: Design and develop creative, seasonal menus using locally sourced ingredients. You will tailor offerings for hotel guests to ensure variety for repeat business.
• Event Excellence: delivering everything from refined 3-course sit-down meals to relaxed evening buffets.
• Financial Control: Take full ownership of the kitchen budget. You must demonstrate a strong ability to control food costs, manage GP margins, and minimize waste without compromising quality.
• Compliance: Maintain the highest standards of food safety (HACCP) and kitchen hygiene (Level 3 Food Hygiene required).

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or kitchen manager, ideally within a boutique hotel environment.
• Skills: Exceptional cooking skills with a focus on fresh, high-quality "pub grub done well" and refined event catering.
• Attributes: Highly organised, financially savvy, and able to remain calm under the pressure of a busy service.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• The chance to put your stamp on a reputable, independent business.
• Free on-site parking and staff discounts.
• Company Pension

A supportive working environment that values work-life balance

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: Up to £34,320.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person