Head Chef

Oxygenhouse; Exeter; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxygenhouse is seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead an innovative team dedicated to crafting vibrant, sustainable, plant-based dishes. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the food program while ensuring environmental stewardship is embedded at every operational level. Join us to make a meaningful impact through culinary excellence.

Benefits

Enhanced parental leave

Matched pension contributions up to 5%

Private medical insurance

25 days' holiday, rising to 30

Green travel incentives

Qualifications

• Strong experience managing teams across multiple sites.
• Solid understanding of climate crisis and sustainable food practices.
• Proficient in crafting plant-forward dishes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in creating seasonal, plant-forward dishes.
• Innovate kitchen processes with sustainability at the core.
• Use data to guide kitchen strategy and operations.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Communication

Analytical mindset

Job description

Salary:£45,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on expereince.

Term: Permanent.40 hours a week over 5 days.

Closing Date: 30th June 2025 at 9:00am

Are you driven to create food that’s better for people and the planet?

At Oxygen House, we run planet-positive kitchens that serve vibrant, organic, nourishing food—designed to inspire conscious living and sustainable change. Our mission is to prove that great cooking can go hand-in-hand with environmental care.

We’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef to shape the future of our food programme alongside our Head of Food.

This is no ordinary role. You'll lead a team across multiple outlets, crafting seasonal, plant-forward dishes with sustainability embedded at every level—from sourcing and prep to culture and operations. Together, we aim to set a new standard for how kitchens can (and should) operate—with people and the planet at their heart.

You Are:

• An inspiring, motivating leader who brings out the best in others

• Curious, thoughtful, and unafraid to challenge outdated systems

• Passionate about food’s power to support health and sustainability

• A creative, confident cook with a flair for organic, plant-focused dishes

• Process-driven, with an exceptional eye for detail

• A clear communicator and natural collaborator

You Have:

• A solid understanding of the climate crisis and food’s role in it

• An analytical mindset and the ability to use data to guide kitchen strategy

• Experience managing teams across multiple sites or outlets

• A wealth of ideas for plant-forward dishes across diverse kitchen styles

Why Join Us?
Because you want more than a job—you want to lead a kitchen that matters. At Oxygen House, sustainability isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation. This is your opportunity to innovate, inspire, and shape a better food future through everything you cook and lead.

Benefits:

Family and Finance Benefits - Enhanced parental leave, Contributory pension (matched up to 5%), Group life assurance, Employee assistance programme

????Heath Benefits - Private medical insurance, Private dental insurance, Virtual GP, Eyecare vouchers, Flu Vaccinations

Green Benefits - Green travel incentive, Cycle to work scheme, Electric car scheme and charging

️ Annual Leave - 25 days’ holiday, rising by 1 day per year to a maximum of 30 days

To find out more:

For full job details please download the attached: Job Description

To apply, click on the apply button at the top of the page and follow the application form. You will need to prepare a plant-forward, autumn-inspired 3/3/3 lunch menu (three starters, three mains, three desserts) that shows us your creativity and values.

If you have any questions, require a different method of application, or there's any way we can support you in our recruitment process then please contact us – [e-mail]

Oxygen House is an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. https://www.oxygenhousegroup.com