Executive Chef

Valor Hospitality; Exeter; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive discounts

Staff rates

Dining discounts

Free meals on duty

Shopping discounts

Cycle to work

Refer-a-friend bonus

Wellness program

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Job summary

Valor Hospitality is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, ensuring high-quality, memorable meals while upholding food safety standards and guest satisfaction.

You will mentor the kitchen team, drive sustainable sourcing with local suppliers, and collaborate with management on cost-efficient kitchen strategies to elevate dining experiences and support staff development.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in a high-volume kitchen.
• Proven ability to mentor staff and develop talent.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP.
• Commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food production and presentation.
• Manage inventory, ordering, receiving and organisation of ingredients and supplies.
• Train, supervise and mentor kitchen staff, supporting their professional development.
• Collaborate with management on cost-effective strategies to optimise kitchen operations.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain cleanliness and sanitation.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Staff mentoring

Supplier relations

Sustainability

Kitchen operations

Job description

Great food starts with great values, and we're looking for an experienced Executive Chef who shares that belief — someone driven by culinary excellence, sustainability and a genuine desire to mentor others.

The Role

As Executive Chef, you'll oversee all aspects of our culinary operations, ensuring every guest receives a high-quality, memorable meal. You'll work closely with your team of chefs and kitchen staff to deliver our menus, uphold food safety standards, and maintain the highest level of guest satisfaction. Your responsibilities will include:

Overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen, including food production, preparation and presentation

Managing inventory — ordering, receiving and organising ingredients and supplies

Training, supervising and mentoring kitchen staff, supporting their professional development

Collaborating with the management team on cost-effective strategies to optimise kitchen operations

Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, including food handling, storage and sanitation

Maintaining a clean, organised kitchen, including equipment care and cleanliness

You'll collaborate with local farmers and suppliers to source the freshest ingredients, supporting the local economy while reducing food miles and food waste. With an unwavering commitment to your craft, you'll work closely with your team to deliver dining experiences that leave guests yearning for more — and you'll play a key role in developing your team and shaping the department's succession planning.

About ISCA

Located within voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, ISCA is a celebration of the South West — its people, produce and planet. We serve seasonal dishes crafted from ethically sourced ingredients, in a space powered by solar energy and designed for low-impact living.

About the Hotel

voco Zeal Exeter Science Park sits at the entrance to Exeter Science Park, home to the South West's leading science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine businesses. This premium 4-star hotel features 142 stylish bedrooms, a restaurant and bar showcasing local produce, a mini gym, gardens and versatile meeting space. The hotel is 100% electric, with a car park offering 12 EV charging points.

In Addition to Competitive Rates of Pay, We Also Offer

Exclusive discounts for you, your friends and family

Valor team member rates at our UK hotels, with rooms from just £30 Bed and Breakfast

Discounted stays for friends and family

50% discount when dining in our restaurants and bars

Free meals while on duty, keeping you well-fuelled

Access to high-street discounts on a range of shops, experiences and more

Up to 40% savings on a wide range of bikes, with our Cycle to Work Scheme

Generous refer-a-friend bonuses, starting at £250

Caring for your health and wellbeing, both in and outside of work

A calendar of wellness activities — from healthy lunches to wellbeing walks and pay day treats, not forgetting our annual #HealthyHabits campaign

Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, providing free confidential advice, 24/7, for you and your family, supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Healthcare Cash Plan options, from just £5 per month

Supporting your hospitality career growth

Fully funded apprenticeship programmes

Internal development programmes, designed to support you as you grow within your role

Monthly and annual team member service awards, making sure your achievements are recognised and celebrated

Fancy joining our team?

We're an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. At Valor Hospitality, we actively welcome applications from candidates of all diverse backgrounds.

Every application is carefully reviewed against the relevant skills and experience for the role, and we'll be in touch if you're a good match and have been selected for interview.

If you need any support at any stage of the recruitment process, or reasonable adjustments to help you do your best, please email our team at .

Please note that employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK.