Executive Chef

Exclusive Hotels; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in the UK is seeking an Executive Chef for Fanhams Hall Hotel. The ideal candidate will lead a talented kitchen team, driving menu development with a focus on seasonal and local produce. This role requires proven leadership skills, a passion for food, and a commitment to maintaining high standards. The position offers a competitive salary and numerous employee benefits, including discounts across hotels and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus service charge

50% discount on Food & Beverage dining

Free meals while on duty

Free on-site parking

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Exclusive discounts through Hospitality Essentials

Opportunities for growth and progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a successful, high-performing kitchen team.
• Strong management, leadership, and people skills.
• Passion for food, seasonality, and modern culinary trends.
• Highly organised and adaptable in decision making.
• Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchens.
• Drive menu development focusing on seasonality and sustainability.
• Manage stock, purchasing, and performance.
• Create and manage effective kitchen rotas.
• Train, develop, and mentor the kitchen brigade.
• Ensure outstanding hygiene and food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Culinary Trends

Food Safety

Communication

Job description

Job Type: Permanent Job Sector: Food, Beverage Region: South East Location: Fanhams Hall Hotel Salary: £58,379 per annum Salary Description: Competitive salary plus fantastic benefits Posted: 24/11/2025 Recruiter: Exclusive Hotels

Executive Chef – Fanhams Hall, WareA career in hospitality – where every detail tells a story.Fanhams Hall in Ware, a part of the Exclusive Collection, is a unique Jacobean mansion blending heritage, character, and exceptional experiences.With its vibrant dining spaces, stunning grounds, and focus on culinary excellence, it is a place where creativity, innovation, and genuine hospitality come together.You will join as an Executive Chef who leads with passion, collaboration, and pride.With your expertise you will shape our culinary identity, your leadership will inspire a talented brigade, and each day brings the opportunity to influence memorable experiences for our guests and your colleagues.At Fanhams Hall, we believe in rewarding our team for their dedication.As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus service charge
• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free on-site parking
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts through Hospitality Essentials
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and progression across the Exclusive Collection

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchens, ensuring exceptional food quality and presentation.
• Drive menu development with a focus on seasonality, sustainability, and local produce.
• Manage stock, purchasing, and GP performance in line with company standards.
• Create and manage effective kitchen rotas, ensuring the right staffing levels and team flexibility.
• Train, develop, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive, high-performing culture.
• Support recruitment, retention, and career development in partnership with HR.
• Ensure outstanding hygiene and food safety standards across all kitchen areas.
• Represent the kitchen professionally, supporting school, college, and local community engagement where needed.

Person Specification

• Proven experience leading a successful, high-performing kitchen team.
• Strong management, leadership, and people skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Passion for food, seasonality, and modern culinary trends.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and confident in making sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong understanding of food safety, compliance, and kitchen operations.
• Positive, collaborative approach with a commitment to maintaining excellent standards in every service.

We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices.At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression, and a culture where people who share our values can thrive.As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require adjustments during the application process, please let us know.Apply today and lead a team that values creativity, teamwork, and genuine care in everything we do.

Contact Details: Exclusive Hotels
Tel: [phone]
Contact: Janet Gerrard
Email: [e-mail]