Executive Head Chef

Burgh Island Hotel and Pilchard Inn; Bigbury; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised staff accommodation

Discounted food and drink

Free staff meals

Annual night’s stay

Other great benefits

Job summary

A prestigious British hotel in Bigbury seeks an Executive Head Chef to lead its kitchens. This hands-on role involves creating seasonal menus, managing kitchen operations, and developing a passionate team. The ideal candidate has experience in high-quality hotels and a commitment to using local ingredients. Join us to shape the culinary identity of our iconic establishment and enjoy benefits like subsidized staff accommodation and discounted meals.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive or Head Chef in a high-quality hotel.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to manage budgets and costs effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop kitchen teams across all outlets.
• Curate seasonal menus showcasing local produce.
• Oversee all kitchen management aspects.

Skills

Culinary excellence

Leadership skills

Mentoring

Budget management

Creativity

Job description

Burgh Island Hotel & The Pilchard Inn, South Devon

Starting from £60,000 per annum + Gratuities | Quarterly Bonus Scheme | Assistance with re-location available | Full-Time, Permanent

Step into a role steeped in history, creativity and coastal beauty. Burgh Island Hotel — one of Britain’s most iconic destinations — is seeking an Executive Head Chef to join our senior management team and lead our kitchens into an exciting new era.

About the Role

As Executive Head Chef, you’ll take the helm of all culinary operations across Burgh Island Hotel and The Pilchard Inn, inspiring excellence through every service — from elegant fine dining in the Grand Ballroom to relaxed, soulful dishes at The Pilchard and modern British cuisine in The Nettleford.

You’ll shape and deliver a distinctive culinary identity across our venues, crafting menus that celebrate the essence of the island, the rhythm of the tides, and the incredible bounty of our local Devonshire suppliers.

This is a hands‑on leadership role — balancing creative flair with operational precision, mentoring and developing a passionate team, and working collaboratively with the F&B Manager and senior leadership to ensure a seamless guest journey from breakfast to evening dining and every special event in between.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen teams across all outlets to deliver consistently exceptional food and service.
• Curate distinctive, seasonal menus for The Pilchard Inn, The Nettleford, and the Grand Ballroom, showcasing local, sustainable produce.
• Drive innovation while respecting the heritage and story of Burgh Island.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen management — from compliance and food safety to cost control, purchasing, and labour planning.
• Collaborate closely with the F&B Manager and senior team to ensure a cohesive guest experience across all outlets and events.
• Elevate our celebration catering, creating memorable, one‑of‑a‑kind dining experiences for all occasions.
• Champion a positive, inclusive and empowered kitchen culture that encourages growth, creativity and pride in the craft.

About You

We’re looking for a leader who blends culinary excellence with emotional intelligence — someone who leads with presence, nurtures their team, and thrives on collaboration.

• Proven experience as an Executive or Head Chef within a high‑quality, independent or destination hotel environment with multiple dining concepts.
• A deep respect for fresh, seasonal, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills — passionate about developing people as much as creating food.
• A commercial mindset, with the ability to manage budgets, margins and performance effectively.
• A calm, inspiring approach that thrives in a culture of change, innovation and shared purpose.
• Creativity, curiosity and a genuine love for hospitality — from staff meals to grand events.

Why Join Us

This is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark on a landmark British hotel entering an exciting chapter of evolution. You’ll join a leadership team dedicated to building an inclusive, engaged and collaborative culture.

• Subsidised staff accommodation.
• Discounted food and drink across the hotel.
• High‑quality, free staff meals when on shift.
• Annual night’s stay.
• Plus, other great benefits!