Head Breakfast Chef

Ardencote; Stratford-on-Avon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spa access

Discounted stays

Pension scheme

Free parking

Job summary

Ardencote Manor, Hiddenwell Luxury Wellness Retreat, is seeking an experienced Head Breakfast Chef to own the breakfast kitchen and lead a busy brigade with energy, pride and precision. You will set the standard for breakfast quality, presentation and service across buffet and plated dishes.

Working closely with the Executive Chef and Senior Head Chefs, you’ll drive menu development, cost control, dietary compliance and seamless guest experiences, with a 6:00am–3:00pm schedule and a £35,000

Qualifications

• Senior chef or breakfast leadership experience.
• Excellent breakfast cookery and kitchen operations experience.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing a kitchen team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management.
• Understanding of stock control, food costs and waste management.
• Ability to organise a busy service and delegate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day breakfast kitchen operations.
• Lead, organise and motivate the breakfast brigade.
• Ensure breakfast dishes are prepared and presented to a high standard.
• Manage service to ensure correct quantities, timing and minimal waste.
• Coach, train and develop breakfast chefs.
• Work with Front of House to deliver a seamless guest experience.
• Respond to guest feedback and continuously improve breakfast service.

Skills

Leadership

Breakfast cookery

Food safety

Allergen management

Menu development

Job description

Head Breakfast Chef
Ardencote Manor | Hiddenwell Luxury Wellness Retreat
Full Time | Permanent
Reports to: Executive Chef / Senior Head Chefs
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Estimated Start Date: 04 January 2027

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Breakfast Chef to take ownership of our breakfast kitchen operation at Ardencote

Breakfast is an important part of our guests’ experience, and we’re looking for someone who can lead from the front – delivering exceptional food, maintaining high standards and creating a positive, well‑organised kitchen where the team can perform at their best

You’ll lead the day-to-day breakfast operation, working closely with our Executive Chef, Senior Head Chefs and wider Food & Beverage team to deliver a smooth, efficient and memorable service

What You’ll Be Doing

• Taking ownership of the day-to-day running of the breakfast kitchen
• Leading, organising and motivainge the breakfast kitchen brigade
• Ensuring breakfast dishes are prepared, cooked and presented consistently to a high standard
• Managing service effectively, ensuring food is available in the right quantities, at the right time and with minimal waste
• Maintaining high standards across buffet and plated breakfast service
• Supporting menu planning and development, using fresh, local and seasonal produce wherever possible
• Maintaining recipe, presentation, portion and food quality standards
• Supporting food costing, stock management and waste reduction
• Ensuring dietary requirements and allergens are managed safely and correctly
• Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen organisation
• Allocating duties effectively and ensure the team is prepared for service
• Coaching, training and developing chefs within the breakfast brigade
• Monitoring performance and provide clear, constructive feedback
• Working closely with Front of House and the wider Food & Beverage team to deliver a seamless guest experience
• Engaging with guests during service and respond positively to feedback
• Working with the Executive Chef and senior team to resolve any food or service concerns quickly and professionally
• Continually look for ways to improve quality, efficiency and the overall breakfast experience

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a confident chef and natural leader who takes pride in delivering an exceptional breakfast experience

• Must have previous experience in a senior chef or breakfast leadership role within a busy hospitality environment
• Must have excellent breakfast cookery and kitchen operational experience
• Must have experience leading, motivating and developing a kitchen team
• Must have excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management
• Must have an excellent understanding of stock control, food costs and waste managementMust have experience maintaining recipe, portion and presentation standards
• Must have the ability to organise a busy service and delegate effectively
• Must have a passion for fresh, high-quality food and seasonal ingredients
• Must have excellent communication and organisational skills
• Must have a calm, positive and hands‑on approach to leadership
• Must have a genuine commitment to creating an excellent guest experience

Our Values

Everything we do is underpinned by our Hiddenwell values:

Integrity – Lead by example, make responsible decisions and maintain high standards across food safety, people and kitchen operations

Excellence – Take pride in delivering exceptional food, presentation and service every morning

Teamwork – Build a positive kitchen brigade and work closely with Front of House and the wider Food & Beverage team

Respect – Lead fairly, value your team and create an environment where people feel supported and encouraged to develop

Commitment – Take ownership of the breakfast operation and continually look for ways to improve quality, efficiency and the guest experience

Make Breakfast Something Guests Remember

For many of our guests, breakfast is one of the final experiences they have with us – and we want it to be one of the best

If you’re a talented chef who loves breakfast, enjoys leading a team and takes pride in creating consistently excellent food, we’d love to hear from you

Lead the team. Set the standard. Start every guest’s day the Hiddenwell way

Additional Information

• 45 hours per week – Full-Time permanent position
• Working 5 days out of 7 per week (including weekends and bank holidays, you will need to be flexible to the business needs)
• Salary: £35,000 per annum
• Shift Pattern: 6:00am - 3:00pm
• Right to work in the UK required as time of application (visa sponsorship is not available)

Why Join Hiddenwell?

• Complimentary spa day on your work anniversary
• Free use of leisure and spa facilities
• 30% off stays and spa days
• Discounts on food, drink and retail
• Pension scheme
• Free parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Perkbox benefits and Online GP
• Refer-a-Friend bonus
• Excellent training and career development
• A supportive team where you can grow

Hiddenwell — Well hidden. Best found.