Head Chef

The Headland Hotel Co Ltd; England; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day working week

On-site parking

Complimentary meals in each restaurant

Gym access

Job summary

The Headland Hotel is seeking a talented Head Chef to take ownership of The Deck and Aqua Club kitchens, leading the brigade and developing menus that reflect the sun‑soaked, produce‑driven spirit of the Mediterranean. You will craft fresh, seasonal dishes and manage food cost with discipline.

Working with the Executive Chef, you will mentor junior chefs and bring creativity to a role offering real creative freedom in a celebrated coastal hotel, with a 4‑day working week and a typical finish

Qualifications

• Lead and manage day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Develop seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menus.
• Control food costs and manage ordering.
• Mentor junior chefs and train the brigade.
• Work closely with Executive Chef.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pizza, pasta, flatbreads, and small plates with focus on Mediterranean dishes.
• Maintain quality and consistency during busy services.
• Ensure health, safety, and food hygiene standards are met.
• Assist with scheduling and rostering for kitchen staff.
• Monitor kitchen performance and costs to optimise profitability.

Skills

Lead kitchen

Menu development

Food cost control

Kitchen management

Staff mentoring

Job description

The Headland Hotel is one of Cornwall's most iconic destinations, perched dramatically above Fistral Beach with sweeping Atlantic views. At its heart sits the Aqua Club, and central to that is The Deck - a vibrant restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired menus offering brunch and dinner. With both a preparation kitchen and a live open kitchen at the centre of the dining experience, The Deck is a genuinely exciting place to cook. We're now looking for a talented and driven Head Chef to take ownership of this unique venue and lead it to its full potential.

As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of both kitchens, leading your brigade with confidence and developing menus that reflect the sun-soaked, produce-driven spirit of the Mediterranean. Working closely with the Executive Chef, you'll bring creativity and discipline in equal measure, crafting dishes that are fresh and seasonal. Our dinner menus focus on freshly made pizza, pasta dishes, and flatbreads, along with small plates and simple desserts. You'll have a strong understanding of food cost, ordering, and kitchen management, and you'll be as comfortable mentoring junior chefs as you are working the pass during a busy Saturday dinner service.

We're proud to offer a genuine work-life balance in an industry that doesn't always prioritize it. Our Head Chef will benefit from a 4-day working week, and we are often out the door by 21:30.

You have a supportive senior team that values your wellbeing as much as your food. In return, we're looking for someone who shares our ambition - a chef who wants to make their mark at one of the North Coast's most celebrated hotels, in a role with real creative freedom and the backing and support to succeed.

This is a full‑time permanent position based on a 48-hour working week including weekends and bank holidays.

In line with UK Immigration and Employment Law, only applicants eligible to live and work in the UK need apply. Proof of ID will be required in the form of a Passport, National Identity Card or Birth Certificate.

As a member of our team you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Complimentary stay after 1 year's service
• 40% off spa products
• 25% off spa treatments
• Complimentary meals in each of our restaurants, once a year
• Gym access & weekly swim session
• Special rate for Pride of Britain Hotels
• Discounted surf lessons
• On site parking
• Complimentary meal provided (breakfast, lunch or dinner) when working over 6 hours

As Well As Regular Awards And Recognition

• Monthly recognition awards
• Annual festive awards event
• Long service awards dinner

As a proud EarthCheck partner, we don't just talk about sustainability we live it, embedding world-class environmental management and eco-friendly practices into everything we do. Join a team where sustainability is in our DNA and we are actively shaping the future of responsible hospitality every single day.