Head Chef

Winslade Park Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary negotiable

Menu freedom

Employee discounts

Gym membership

Supportive management

Job summary

Winslade Manor is looking for an ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen across restaurant service, weddings, private dining and events. You will develop seasonal menus, manage purchasing, stock, and GP, and drive a motivated, professional team while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and guest experience.

The role requires hands-on leadership with flexibility across days, evenings, weekends and busy seasonal periods, reporting to the General Manager and collaborating with FOH and

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef level experience in a high-quality restaurant or events venue.
• Strong leadership and people-management abilities.
• Proven experience costing and developing seasonal menus.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations for restaurant, weddings, private dining and events.
• Develop seasonal menus with dietary option considerations.
• Cost menus, manage GP, stock, purchasing and waste.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen team; set high standards.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Menu costing

Food safety

Tools

HACCP

Job description

Salary negotiable | Full Time | Permanent

Lead the Dining Experience at Winslade Manor

Winslade Manor is one of Devon’s premier hospitality destinations, combining exceptional dining, elegant events, luxury weddings and outstanding guest experiences within a stunning countryside setting.

We are seeking an ambitious, creative and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and further develop a food offering that reflects the quality, reputation and aspirations of the venue.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining creative food, people leadership, organisation and commercial responsibility. You will take full ownership of the kitchen operation across restaurant service, weddings, private dining and events, ensuring consistently high standards while developing a strong, motivated and professional team.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, overseeing menu development, food quality, team performance, purchasing, stock control, labour management and service delivery.

You will work closely with the General Manager, Front of House and Events teams to ensure the kitchen is well planned, commercially effective and consistently delivers an exceptional guest experience.

The role requires flexibility to work across days, evenings, weekends, Bank Holidays and busy seasonal periods.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary direction of Winslade Manor, maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Develop creative, seasonal and commercially viable menus, including appropriate options for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements.
• Cost menus and dishes accurately, managing food GP, portion control, purchasing, stock and waste.
• Recruit, lead, motivate and develop a strong kitchen team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
• Set clear standards and expectations, supporting training, performance management and career development.
• Plan kitchen rotas and staffing levels around restaurant covers, weddings, private dining, events and seasonal demand.
• Take ownership of the food delivery for weddings, private functions and events, including menu planning, tastings, preparation and logistics.
• Ensure dietary requirements and food allergies are communicated clearly, prepared safely and delivered accurately.
• Work closely with Front of House, Events and management teams to ensure smooth service and effective communication.
• Plan for forthcoming business levels, ensuring appropriate staffing, ordering, preparation and stock levels.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP, allergen management, COSHH and Health & Safety.
• Monitor guest feedback, food quality and service performance, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure kitchen equipment, cleanliness, organisation and maintenance are maintained to a high standard.
• Remain hands‑on during key services, leading by example and ensuring consistency across every service.

About You

We are looking for a passionate and commercially aware head chef with:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or equivalent within a high-quality restaurant, luxury hotel, wedding venue or events environment.
• Strong leadership, communication and people-development skills.
• Proven experience developing and costing seasonal menus.
• A strong understanding of food GP, purchasing, stock control and labour management.
• Experience delivering weddings, functions, private dining and events alongside restaurant service.
• Excellent organisation and forward-planning skills.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens, HACCP and Health & Safety.
• A passion for fresh, seasonal and high-quality produce.
• The ability to balance culinary ambition with commercial discipline.
• A hands‑on approach and genuine commitment to developing a successful kitchen team.

What We Offer

• Salary negotiable, depending on experience
• Creative freedom to influence and develop menus
• Employee discounts and 50% off gym membership
• A supportive and ambitious management team
• The opportunity to lead the culinary operation at one of the South West’s respected hospitality venues

Working Pattern

This is a full-time hospitality leadership role requiring flexibility across:

• Day and evening service
• Weekends and Bank Holidays
• Weddings and private events
• Peak seasonal trading periods

Salary: Salary negotiable, depending on experience

Location: Winslade Manor, Exeter

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Great food, exceptional experiences.A place to belong.