Executive Chef (Site-Based + Group Support) – Kernow Hospitality Group (Cornwall)
Reports to: Directors | Line management: Oversees Head Chefs across the group
Kernow Hospitality Group is looking for a strong, hands-on Executive Chef to lead from one home kitchen, while supporting and developing the Head Chefs and kitchen teams across our other pubs (Swan Hotel, Ship Inn and Lanivet Inn).
This is a key leadership role focused on food standards, consistency, compliance, profitability and people performance across the group.
What you'll be responsible for
Group culinary leadership
* Drive consistent food quality, presentation, safety and profitability across all venues
* Coach and support Head Chefs to hit targets including GP, wage %, waste, checklist compliance and EHO standards
* Carry out kitchen audits/site visits and lead improvement plans with clear actions and timelines
Menu development & launches
* Coordinate group menu changes (set changes planned April & October)
* Ensure recipes, allergen info, and plating specs are updated before launch
* Cost, test and sign-off specials and LTOs, supporting marketing with early info and imagery
Food safety, compliance & standards
* Maintain top standards across Food Safety, H&S, allergen management and EHO readiness
* Lead oversight of Trail checklist compliance and verification across sites
* Ensure hygiene audits are completed and actions followed through
Stock, GP & labour control
* Review GP/wage/cost reports weekly and fix issues fast
* Tighten ordering, stock discipline, waste/yield/variance reporting
* Support Head Chefs with rotas and labour planning in line with forecast trade
People leadership (must-have)
You'll be confident dealing with team members and improving performance properly:
* Set clear expectations and follow up consistently
* Use company HR templates (1:1s, performance reviews, improvement plans, meeting notes) to coach, support and—when needed—manage underperformance fairly and professionally
* Build a strong kitchen culture: standards, accountability, training and progression
Computer skills (must-have)
You'll be comfortable using a computer for:
* Reports, ordering/stock systems, menu costings/spec updates and compliance records
* Documenting performance conversations and actions using our templates
About you
* Proven experience as a Head Chef / Executive Chef in a fresh-food kitchen
* Commercially strong (GP, stock, waste, labour) and obsessed with standards
* Confident leader who can coach, motivate, and challenge when needed
* Organised, calm, consistent, and able to support multiple teams across the group
* Driving licence preferred due to multi-site support
What we offer
* Competitive salary + performance/bonus potential
* Strong owner support and real autonomy to drive standards across the group
* Staff discounts across all sites, team incentives which you will help to bring in and implement for kitchen teams to help drive performance of the kitchens.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £39,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person