Head Chef

Aztec Hotel & Spa; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel and spa in the UK is seeking an experienced Head Chef to inspire their kitchen team and deliver 2 AA Rosette standard dishes. The role includes managing kitchen operations, innovating menus, and fostering staff development in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate has a passion for food and experience in hotel kitchens. The position offers competitive salary and benefits including annual leave, health plans, and training programs.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Wagestream access

28 days annual leave

Health cash plan

Employee discounts

Pension and Life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a kitchen team.
• Ability to innovate and inspire staff and guests.
• Deep understanding of food trends.

Responsibilities

• Inspire the team to create exceptional dishes.
• Collaborate with management to drive performance.
• Develop kitchen staff into future leaders.
• Manage kitchen operations for quality and cost.

Skills

People development

Creativity

Food knowledge

Leadership

Job description

Overview

Aztec Hotel & Spa, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TS, is a four‑star hotel featuring an award‑winning spa, rosette restaurant, business facilities and comfy bedrooms. It hosts a number of weddings and events throughout the year, meaning no two days are the same. Located near the M5 junction, Aztec is easily commutable from the north Bristol area.

This role is perfect for a driven and experienced Head Chef eager to work to 2 AA Rosette standards and beyond. You will be part of a team dedicated to delivering excellence to every guest, with ongoing development and support to help you reach your full potential.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and innovate: Work closely with the team to evolve our menus, staying ahead of food trends to deliver exceptional dishes to our guests.
• Lead with passion: Be a hands‑on leader, collaborating with key managers like the General Manager, Head of Sales, and Restaurant Manager.
• Nurture future talent: Develop our dedicated kitchen team – the Head Chefs of tomorrow – and guide our front‑of‑house team in understanding our dishes and stories.
• Drive excellence: Play an active role in cost management, kitchen efficiency, and maintaining the highest standards.
• Expand your impact: Oversee the kitchen operations for our sister food outlet and coffee shop.

Qualifications

• A passion for people development – you’ll lead and inspire your team with energy and a personal touch.
• A curious and creative nature that brings theatre to our restaurant.
• A deep understanding and love of food, including key trends and a desire to keep our menus fresh and exciting.
• Experience in hotel kitchens and knowledge of hotel food operations is a big plus.

Benefits

• A competitive salary, negotiable dependent on experience.
• Wagestream – access up to 40% of your wages as you earn them each week.
• 28 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years).
• Health cash plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Apprenticeships available.
• Generous employee discounts.
• Pension and Life assurance.
• Long‑service awards, including free meals and free stays with friends and family.
• Bespoke training programmes accessible to all.
• An engaging & supportive work environment.