Head Chef

Warner Hotels; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym access

Discounted food onsite

Pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Cycle to Work

Discounts across Warner Hotels

Life Assurance

Free onsite parking

Job summary

Warner Hotels is seeking a Head Chef for Heythrop Park to lead a large kitchen operation and drive exceptional guest dining experiences. You will oversee up to 50 chefs, ensure top quality, safety and brand standards, and foster a high-performing culture across multiple outlets.

The role focuses on operational excellence, people development, and cost management, with a strong emphasis on teamwork with hotel departments to deliver seamless service and standout dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience leading high-volume kitchen operations.
• Branded hospitality or hotel environment experience.
• Passion for developing people and teams.

Responsibilities

• Leading, coaching and developing a large team of chefs, creating a culture of support, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring all kitchens consistently meet company food safety, health and safety, and hygiene standards.
• Driving high standards of food quality, presentation and guest satisfaction.
• Planning and organising kitchen operations to deliver efficient, seamless service across multiple outlets.
• Managing stock, ordering and food costs, ensuring excellent control while minimising waste.
• Forecasting labour and food requirements in line with occupancy levels.
• Working collaboratively with wider hotel teams to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
• Inspiring your team to embrace Warner Hotels' standards and branded menu offer while continually looking for ways to improve performance.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food cost control

Budgeting

Job description

Join our team at Heythrop Park, part of the Warner Hotels Group. This 311-bedroom hotel with two theatres, a spa, and three restaurants is set within 440 acres of parkland in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Salary £40,000 - £48,000.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head Chef to join Warner Hotels.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a large-scale operation, leading a team of up to 50 chefs while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and service. You'll work closely with your kitchen leadership team to create a positive, high-performing culture where people thrive and guests enjoy consistently exceptional dining experiences.

As Head Chef, you'll balance operational excellence with people development, ensuring your team is well organised, motivated and equipped to deliver smooth, efficient service every day.

What you'll be doing

Leading, coaching and developing a large team of chefs, creating a culture of support, accountability and continuous improvement. Ensuring all kitchens consistently meet company food safety, health and safety, and hygiene standards. Driving high standards of food quality, presentation and guest satisfaction. Planning and organising kitchen operations to deliver efficient, seamless service across multiple outlets. Managing stock, ordering and food costs, ensuring excellent control while minimising waste. Forecasting labour and food requirements in line with occupancy levels. Working collaboratively with wider hotel teams to deliver an outstanding guest experience. Inspiring your team to embrace Warner Hotels' standards and branded menu offer while continually looking for ways to improve performance.

What are we looking for?

An experienced Head Chef with a successful track record of leading high-volume kitchen operations. Experience working within a branded hospitality or hotel environment, with an understanding of the importance of consistency and brand standards. A passionate leader who enjoys developing people and building engaged, high-performing teams. Someone who leads by example and isn't afraid to challenge when standards fall below expectations. A genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and service.

What you'll bring

• Strong leadership, coaching and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams at every level. Experience managing food ordering, stock control and forecasting against business demand. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment. Commercial awareness and sound financial knowledge, including budgeting, food cost management and waste reduction.
• A proactive, adaptable approach with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Work for Warner Hotels?

• Free use of gym and leisure facilities60% discounted food onsitePension schemeA fantastic opportunity for career development through externally recognised qualifications in addition to in-house training and development (Degrees and Apprenticeship level)28 days annual leave per year (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)Cycle to Work Scheme 20% discount at breaks at Warner, Butlins & Haven + additional discounts during your stays for you and your familyHelp @ Hand from Unum - including virtual GP, Physiotherapy support, Mental Health sessionsLife AssuranceFree Car Parking onsite Family Friendly policies
• Refer a friend scheme
• Aslan: Our Reward & recognition portal includes access to a financial wellbeing platform
• Access to a discounts platform including a points based discount plan to increase your retail discounts
• Access your wages on demand through Aslan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• L&G Care Concierge
• Glow Getters and Long Service Awards

Ready to discover your glow?

Be part of something more than a hotel — where your personality shines and your ideas matter.

At Warner Hotels, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility that you may require.

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments while applying, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: [e-mail]