Executive Chef

Exclusive Hotels; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier hospitality group in the West Midlands is seeking a passionate Executive Chef to lead the kitchen at Ansty Hall Hotel. The role requires menu development, team management, and maintaining high food standards. The ideal candidate will have luxury hotel experience and a strong understanding of food trends. Competitive salary, benefits, and a supportive work culture are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary above the Real Living Wage

29 days holiday increasing with service

50% discount on food and beverage

Free gym access

Qualifications

• Proven experience from within a luxury hotel brand, preferably with accolades.
• High level of understanding of health & safety and food safety guidelines.
• Ability to drive focus and create a positive working environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure produce is purchased within company guidelines and stock is controlled.
• Manage the Kitchen team, conducting regular appraisals.
• Foster relationships with local schools to promote hospitality careers.

Skills

Experience in luxury hotel brands

Understanding of health & safety guidelines

Ability to manage a diverse team

Creativity and flair for food

Financial awareness

Job description

Overview

Job Type: Permanent. Job Sector: Food, Beverage. Region: West Midlands. Location: Coventry. Salary: Competitive Salary plus fantastic benefits. Posted: 03/09/2025. Recruiter: Exclusive Hotels. Job Ref: exclusive/TP/230895/7154.

In a Nutshell: A rare opportunity has arisen, we’re actively seeking a passionate and creative Executive Chef to manage and oversee the kitchen here at Ansty Hall Hotel. Menu development will be an important part of this role so a thorough understanding and passion for food and flavours is a must. A key eye for local and current food trends will be integral to this role alongside leading and inspiring the kitchen teams with a culture that delivers an amazing guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all produce is purchased within company guidelines and that stock is controlled to the agreed standards maintaining GP margins within agreed budget.
• Ensure the kitchen is manned efficiently at all times and that weekly rotas are written according to business needs; train staff in all aspects of each kitchen section and ensure flexibility.
• Be responsible for the daily control of the kitchens, ensuring that all food is produced and presented to the highest standards at all times.
• Ensure menus are updated regularly and that the use of Food Heroes, seasonality and local produce is maximised.
• Keep up to date with current trends in food and cuisine to keep the offering at the forefront of trends.
• Manage the Kitchen team, conducting regular appraisals and job chats within Company standards.
• Ensure all Kitchen team attend regular training and development activities and receive relevant training.
• Work closely with HR in recruitment and retention, career progression and planning for the Department and within Company standards.
• Assist in raising the profile of the cuisine within the hotel restaurants locally and nationally, and attend PR opportunities with the General Manager's consent.
• Foster good relationships with local schools and colleges, raise the profile of the hospitality industry as a career, and promote employment opportunities with Exclusive Hotels.
• Show due diligence to ensure the department has outstanding and consistent hygiene practices, adhering to cleaning rotas and standard procedures.
• Cater for Private Events in the hotel as required.
• Assist the Kitchen Brigade in any other areas as and when required.

Qualifications / The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience from within a luxury hotel brand, preferably with accolades.
• Passion to drive a real focus on our food offering differentiating us from competitors.
• High level of understanding of health & safety and food safety guidelines within the kitchen.
• Ability to manage and develop a diverse team ensuring they meet the highest standards at all times.
• Creativity and flair with a passion and respect for provenance of food and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
• Ability to drive focus and create a positive working environment with work/life balance for staff.
• Financial awareness and ability to maximise revenue opportunities and manage costs.

Benefits / Package

• Competitive salary, benefits and we pay above the Real Living Wage.
• 29 days holiday (increasing with length of service).
• Discretionary service charge system with benefits.
• 50% Discount on food and beverage across all Exclusive properties.
• Discounts on room nights across all Exclusive properties.
• EAP provided by HospitalityAction and HospitalityEssentials discount platform.
• Meals on duty provided for free.
• Recognition and rewards scheme; access to learning platform with training and development programs.
• Free gym access and dedicated classes where available.
• B Corp accreditation and commitment to People, Product and Planet.
• Free newspaper/magazine/book downloads and cycle to work scheme.

About The Company / Additional Information

We expect a lot but we’ll give a lot to get the right people. There are 4 main things we look for:

• We want people with bags of character. We don’t want you to hide your personality when you’re at work; we want you to feel comfortable, to be who you are.
• We want people who like being around others, smiling and chatting because you like people, not because someone told you to smile and chat.
• We need extra milers. If you think the job description is all you have to do, then we’re not for you.
• You have to put your heart into it. When you tell a guest you’re happy to help, you have to mean it.