Head Chef
Location: Stirling, Scotland
Salary: £45,000 per annum + Tronc
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 48 hours per week
Business Type: Luxury Lakeside Hotel & Traditional Scottish Restaurant
Are you an experienced Head Chef looking for a long-term opportunity where you can lead your own kitchen while working in one of Scotland's most picturesque locations?
We're recruiting on behalf of a stunning lakeside hotel and traditional Scottish restaurant in the Stirling area. Nestled in a peaceful setting with breathtaking views across the water, this well-established venue combines relaxed hospitality with exceptional food, offering guests a memorable dining experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant celebrates the very best of Scottish cuisine, complemented by internationally inspired dishes, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Featuring a cosy dining room with oak beams, an open fire and a spacious deck overlooking the lake, this is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who enjoys producing quality food in an idyllic setting.
This role would suit a passionate Head Chef who is looking for stability, autonomy and the opportunity to become a valued part of the business for years to come.
About the Role
This is a hands-on leadership position overseeing a brigade of 4–5 chefs. You will be responsible for leading the kitchen operation, maintaining high food standards, developing seasonal menus and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen.
You'll work closely with the wider management team to deliver an outstanding dining experience while creating a positive and supportive environment for your brigade. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys mentoring others and takes pride in building a strong, long-term team.
What's in It for You?
- Salary of £45,000 per annum
- Tronc paid on top of salary
- 48-hour permanent contract
- Negotiable retention bonus after one year's service
- Temporary live-in accommodation available for up to 2 months while securing permanent accommodation
- Lead a close-knit brigade of 4–5 chefs
- Opportunity to create and develop seasonal menus
- Work with fresh, locally sourced Scottish produce
- Beautiful lakeside working environment
- Long-term career opportunity with a supportive employer
Who We're Looking For
You are an experienced and passionate chef who enjoys leading from the front. You're organised, calm under pressure and committed to delivering consistently high standards while developing your team.
This role is ideal for someone seeking a long-term position where they can take ownership of the kitchen and become an integral part of a successful hospitality business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day kitchen operation
- Inspire, train and develop a brigade of 4–5 chefs
- Design and deliver seasonal menus using locally sourced produce
- Maintain exceptional food quality and presentation
- Manage stock control, ordering and food costs
- Ensure compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations
- Oversee kitchen rotas and team performance
- Work closely with management to continually enhance the guest dining experience
What You'll Need
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step into a Head Chef position
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Experience working with fresh, seasonal produce
- Good knowledge of stock control, GP management and kitchen administration
- Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
- A genuine passion for producing quality food
- A desire to build a long-term career within a supportive business
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're looking for a rewarding Head Chef opportunity where you can lead a talented team, work with exceptional local produce and enjoy a stunning Scottish setting, we'd love to hear from you.
If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community, including ex-military personnel, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or military spouses/partners, please indicate this in your application.
Alternatively, you may email your CV directly to info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk, stating the role you are applying for and outlining your connection to the Armed Forces.
INCH