Head Chef

Cornwall Staff Agency Ltd; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Company pension

Staff discounts

EPA / employee benefits

Free staff meals

Input into menu

Join established hotel group

Job summary

Cornwall Staff Agency Ltd in North Devon is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a respected hotel group. You will own the kitchen operation, drive menu development and maintain high standards in food quality and presentation.

With a brand-aligned approach and creative input, you will manage costs, stock and staff, while delivering an engaging guest dining experience. Live-in accommodation is available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team and managing daily operations.
• Ability to develop and refresh menus while maintaining brand standards.
• Strong focus on food quality, hygiene and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team and oversee day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Develop menus with creative, seasonal dishes while aligning to hotel branding.
• Manage food costs, stock control and portioning.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen staff; ensure safety and hygiene.

Job description

Head Chef - North Devon

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Hours: 47.5 hours per week

Live-in accommodation available

One of our clients, part of an established hotel group based in the North Devon area, is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Chef to join their team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef to take ownership of the kitchen operation and bring their own creativity and flair to the menu, while working within an established hotel brand. The menu includes a couple of established staple dishes that the hotel is keen to retain, but there is plenty of scope for the successful candidate to introduce their own ideas, develop new dishes and put their personal stamp on the offering — provided it fits with the hotel's brand, style and guest expectations.

The Role As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading and developing the kitchen team and ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service. You will have the opportunity to influence and develop the menu, bringing fresh ideas and seasonal creativity to the kitchen while maintaining the dishes that are already popular with guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Develop and refresh menus, introducing your own creative ideas and seasonal dishes.
• Maintain the hotel's established staple dishes and ensure consistency.
• Ensure the menu remains aligned with the hotel's brand and overall offering.
• Manage food costs, ordering, stock control and portion control.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen team members.
• Ensure excellent food hygiene, health and safety and cleanliness standards.
• Work closely with the wider hotel management team to ensure a smooth operation.
• Lead from the front during busy services and maintain high standards at all times.

About You The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience as a Head Chef looking to take the next step in their career. You will be:

• Passionate about food and delivering consistently high standards.
• Creative, with a genuine interest in menu development.
• An experienced and confident kitchen leader.
• Commercially aware, with an understanding of food costs and stock control.
• Organised and able to work calmly under pressure.
• Committed to maintaining excellent hygiene and safety standards.
• A positive, hands-on chef who enjoys developing a team and being part of the wider hotel operation.

What's on Offer

• £45,000 per annum
• 47.5 hours per week
• Live-in accommodation available for the right candidate
• Company pension
• Staff discounts
• EPA / employee benefits
• Free staff meals when on duty
• The opportunity to have genuine input into the menu
• The opportunity to join an established and successful hotel group
• A position where you can bring your own creativity and ideas to the kitchen

CWPERM