Job Title: Lead Chef
Reports to: Estate Chef
Department: Leisure and Tourism
Location: Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
Hours: Full Time – Permanent 40 hours
Job Ref: VA211-2025
About Raby
Raby is thriving, family-run estate under the stewardship of the Vane family, with a rich heritage and a forward-looking vision. Steeped in history, Raby Castle is surrounded by over 200 acres of beautiful parkland in County Durham, Raby has been home to generations of the Vane family and remains a vibrant destination offering tourism, hospitality, and events throughout the year.
In addition to Raby Castle and its grounds, the estate also includes High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most spectacular natural attractions, and the High Force Hotel, which offers accommodation and dining in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate comprises extensive landholdings across County Durham and Shropshire, with a focus on sustainable land management and stewardship of the countryside.
About the Role
We are looking for an inspirational, enthusiastic and experienced Lead Chef to join our culinary team at The Vinery. As Lead Chef, you will support the Estate Chef in delivering exceptional food using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, helping to shape menus. You will be leading a team who share the same passion for preparing exciting fresh and nutritious food daily. This is a busy and multi-faceted environment that offers a great work life balance. Responsibilities will include leading kitchen staff, placing food orders, stock control, assisting in menu planning and development and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality hot and cold dishes. Food Compliance controls. This role contributes to the overall success of the Food and Beverage team maintaining culinary standards and fostering a positive working environment.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of food and ensure it is cooked to the highest standards as set out on our menus.
- Team player, leading and motivating the food and beverage staff, ensuring high standards of food hygiene, allergen awareness and safety.
- Contribute to menu development with creativity and seasonal awareness.
- Implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs against agreed budgets.
- Monitor stock levels, ordering.
- Maintain a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety and health regulations.
- Forward thinker, who can prevent waste.
- Maintain quality control for all food items and address any issues related to food quality promptly.
- Support training and development, fostering a positive learning culture.
- To deliver outstanding customer service, which provides an unforgettable visitor experience, creating loyal, return visitors to Raby Estates.
This list is not exhaustive, and you will be required to carry out any other reasonable tasks as required.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Lead Chef or in a similar role (at least 3 years’ experience).
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate as a minimum.
- Relevant health and safety qualifications, knowledge, and practices of COSHH.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Passion for fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced food.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands.
- Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
- A clear understanding of profit margins, labour controls, purchasing policy, budgetary and food costing, including control.
- Flexible approach to duties undertaken.
- A kind and caring attitude towards your colleagues and customers.
What we have to Offer
It’s people that make a place, without people, a place is simply an empty shell. At Raby this is certainly true, it’s our people that make Raby special.
We strive to offer our employees an excellent working environment and the tools to perform, enabling them to achieve their goals and be the best they can be.
As well as some of the most iconic locations to work we offer:
- Attractive salary
- 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
- Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
- Group Life Insurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
- Free on-site car parking
- Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
- Discounts on stays at Raby’s High Force Hotel
- Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
- A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
- Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
- A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
- A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable—no two days will be the same!
- A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.
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How to apply
If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience, and personality to undertake this role, please apply below: